Abstract
BackgroundLarge cross-sectional household surveys are common for measuring indicators of neglected tropical disease control programs. As an alternative to standard paper-based data collection, we utilized novel paperless technology to collect data electronically from over 12,000 households in Ethiopia.MethodologyWe conducted a needs assessment to design an Android-based electronic data collection and management system. We then evaluated the system by reporting results of a pilot trial and from comparisons of two, large-scale surveys; one with traditional paper questionnaires and the other with tablet computers, including accuracy, person-time days, and costs incurred.Principle FindingsThe electronic data collection system met core functions in household surveys and overcame constraints identified in the needs assessment. Pilot data recorders took 264 (standard deviation (SD) 152 sec) and 260 sec (SD 122 sec) per person registered to complete household surveys using paper and tablets, respectively (P = 0.77). Data recorders felt a lack of connection with the interviewee during the first days using electronic devices, but preferred to collect data electronically in future surveys. Electronic data collection saved time by giving results immediately, obviating the need for double data entry and cross-correcting. The proportion of identified data entry errors in disease classification did not differ between the two data collection methods. Geographic coordinates collected using the tablets were more accurate than coordinates transcribed on a paper form. Costs of the equipment required for electronic data collection was approximately the same cost incurred for data entry of questionnaires, whereas repeated use of the electronic equipment may increase cost savings.Conclusions/SignificanceConducting a needs assessment and pilot testing allowed the design to specifically match the functionality required for surveys. Electronic data collection using an Android-based technology was suitable for a large-scale health survey, saved time, provided more accurate geo-coordinates, and was preferred by recorders over standard paper-based questionnaires.
Highlights
Large-scale national and sub-national surveys are needed to map the distribution of a health condition, establish baseline prevalence and incidence data for planning, and monitoring the impact of neglected tropical disease control interventions [1,2,3,4,5]
We focused on data entry errors that could have the most impact on disease prevalence estimates: number of blank fields; age and sex of participants; availability for examination; incorrect unique identifying number; a blank field in the classification of trachoma clinical signs; or an impossible combination of clinical signs
Data fields for each individual enumerated in a household record were arranged alongside the list of enumerated individuals, which allowed flexibility of alternating between individuals as a survey team encountered each one for examination (Figure 1)
Summary
Large-scale national and sub-national surveys are needed to map the distribution of a health condition, establish baseline prevalence and incidence data for planning, and monitoring the impact of neglected tropical disease control interventions [1,2,3,4,5]. These surveys often involve collection of a combination of geospatial and disease prevalence data from multiple households within multiple communities across many different regions of a country. As an alternative to standard paper-based data collection, we utilized novel paperless technology to collect data electronically from over 12,000 households in Ethiopia
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