Does modality of survey administration impact data quality: audio computer assisted self interview (ACASI) versus self-administered pen and paper?

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the context of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on HIV testing in the emergency department (ED) setting, we evaluated preferences for survey modality and data quality arising from each modality.

Methods

Enrolled participants were offered the choice of answering a survey via audio computer assisted self-interview (ACASI) or pen and paper self-administered questionnaire (SAQ). We evaluated factors influencing choice of survey modality. We defined unusable data for a particular survey domain as answering fewer than 75% of the questions in the domain. We then compared ACASI and SAQ with respect to unusable data for domains that address sensitive topics.

Results

Of 758 enrolled ED patients, 218 (29%) chose ACASI, 343 chose SAQ (45%) and 197 (26%) opted not

SUBMITTER: Reichmann WM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2806918 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature