Perceptions of audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) among women in an HIV-positive prevention program.
BACKGROUND
Audio Computer-Assisted Self Interviewing (ACASI) has improved the reliability and accuracy of self-reported HIV health and risk behavior data, yet few studies account for how participants experience the data collection process.


RESULTS
This exploratory qualitative analysis aimed to better understand the experience and implications of using ACASI among HIV-positive women participating in sexual risk reduction interventions in Chicago (n = 12) and Philadelphia (n = 18). Strategies of Grounded Theory were used to explore participants' ACASI experiences.


CONCLUSIONS
Key themes we identified included themes that could be attributed to the ACASI and other methods of data collection (e.g., paper-based self-administered questionnaire or face-to-face interviews). The key themes were usability; privacy and honesty; socially desirable responses and avoiding judgment; and unintentional discomfort resulting from recalling risky behavior using the ACASI. Despite both positive and negative findings about the ACASI experience, we conclude that ACASI is in general an appropriate method for collecting sensitive data about HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among HIV-positive women because it seemed to ensure privacy in the study population allowing for more honest responses, minimize socially desirable responses, and help participants avoid actual or perceived judgment.
Estes
Larissa J
LJ
School of Public Health, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America. Larissa.J.Estes@uth.tmc.edu
Lloyd
Linda E
LE
Teti
Michelle
M
Raja
Sheela
S
Bowleg
Lisa
L
Allgood
Kristi L
KL
Glick
Nancy
N
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D002641:Chicago; D003201:Computers; D003625:Data Collection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015143:Philadelphia; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult