Aueaksorn W, Jeeyapant S, Naorat S, Jenkins RA, Chantawatawong R, Chaikummao S, Mock PA, Tappero JW, van Griensven F; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. C11803.

Thailand MOPH - U.S. CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Issues: Computer-assisted self-interviewing is an efficient and more accurate method to collect HIV risk behavior data than interviewer- or self-administered questionnaires. Handheld mini-computers may provide a cheaper, more mobile and long lasting battery-powered alternative to desk-top computers. Description: During late 2002, as part of an experimental study to evaluate handheld mini-computers for the collection of sensitive behavioral data, 320 Thai vocational school students (15 to 21 years old) completed a Palm-assisted self-interview (PASI). We used a Palm500 with Thai language support via Thai Hack software; the data collection program was developed using Satellite Forms. Lessons learned: Students had no previous experience with handheld mini-computers. However, 5 -10 minutes of training was sufficient for operation of a handheld for PASI with input via stylus. Completion of a 100-item questionnaire took 10-20 minutes, depending on risk behavior history. Of students, 83% found PASI easy to use, 81% said they gave more truthful information and 94% experienced more privacy compared to audio-computer-assisted self-interview, self-administered questionnaire and face-to-face interview. After completion, interview data were downloaded on a laptop using Access 2000 Hotsync, allowing immediate data monitoring and avoidance of human error from coding and data-entry, prior to dismissal of the respondent completing the query. Quality of PASI collected data was high, with virtually no inconsistencies or missing values. Recommendations: Our experience has demonstrated that handheld mini-computers are a viable tool for collecting sensitive behavioral data in HIV research and surveillance applications.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Adolescent
• Adolescent Behavior
• Attitude to Computers
• Computers
• Computers, Handheld
• Data Collection
• Forms and Records Control
• HIV Infections
• Humans
• Interviews as Topic
• Learning
• Microcomputers
• Privacy
• Questionnaires
• Risk-Taking
• Thailand
• methods
• surgery

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0033212

UI: 102277426

From Meeting Abstracts