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Randomized controlled trial of audio computer-assisted self-interviewing: utility and acceptability in longitudinal studies. HIVNET Vaccine Preparedness Study Protocol Team.
Source:
Am J Epidemiol 2000 Jul 15;152(2):99-106
Authors:
Metzger DS, Koblin B, Turner C, Navaline H, Valenti F, Holte S, Gross M, Sheon A,
Miller H, Cooley P, Seage GR 3rd.
Publication Info:
University of Pennsylvania/VA Center for Studies of Addiction, Philadelphia 19104,
USA. metzger@research.trc.upenn.edu [Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed for
information provided via e-mail. People visiting websites from public or work
machines may be leaving traces of their visits on those machines.]
Abstract:
Recent studies have reported on the utility of audio computer-assisted
self-interviewing (ACASI) in surveys of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk
behaviors that involve a single assessment. This paper reports the results of a test
of ACASI within a longitudinal study of HIV risk behavior and infection. Study
participants (gay men (n = 1,974) and injection drug users (n = 903)) were randomly
assigned to either ACASI or interviewer-administered assessment at their second
follow-up visit 12 months after baseline. Significantly more of the sexually active
gay men assessed via ACASI reported having sexual partners who were HIV antibody
positive (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 1.72), and a higher
proportion reported unprotected receptive anal intercourse. Among injection drug
users (IDUs), our hypothesis was partially supported. Significantly more IDUs
assessed via ACASI reported using a needle after another person without cleaning it
(odds ratio = 2.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.34, 4.30). ACASI-assessed IDUs
reported similar rates of needle sharing and needle exchange use but a lower
frequency of injection. Participants reported few problems using ACASI, and it was
well accepted among members of both risk groups. Sixty percent of the participants
felt that the ACASI elicited more honest responses than did interviewer-administered
questionnaires. Together, these data are consistent with prior research findings and
suggest that ACASI can enhance the quality of behavioral assessment and provide an
acceptable method for collecting self-reports of HIV risk behavior in longitudinal
studies and clinical trials of prevention interventions.
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