Abstract
BackgroundLow-cost handheld computers (PDA) potentially represent an efficient tool for collecting sensitive data in surveys. The goal of this study is to evaluate the quality of sexual behavior data collected with handheld computers in comparison with paper-based questionnaires.MethodsA PDA-based program for data collection was developed using Open-Source tools. In two cross-sectional studies, we compared data concerning sexual behavior collected with paper forms to data collected with PDA-based forms in Ancon (Lima).ResultsThe first study enrolled 200 participants (18–29 years). General agreement between data collected with paper format and handheld computers was 86%. Categorical variables agreement was between 70.5% and 98.5% (Kappa: 0.43–0.86) while numeric variables agreement was between 57.1% and 79.8% (Spearman: 0.76–0.95). Agreement and correlation were higher in those who had completed at least high school than those with less education. The second study enrolled 198 participants. Rates of responses to sensitive questions were similar between both kinds of questionnaires. However, the number of inconsistencies (p = 0.0001) and missing values (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in paper questionnaires.ConclusionThis study showed the value of the use of handheld computers for collecting sensitive data, since a high level of agreement between paper and PDA responses was reached. In addition, a lower number of inconsistencies and missing values were found with the PDA-based system. This study has demonstrated that it is feasible to develop a low-cost application for handheld computers, and that PDAs are feasible alternatives for collecting field data in a developing country.
Highlights
Low-cost handheld computers (PDA) potentially represent an efficient tool for collecting sensitive data in surveys
The objective of this study is to present two experiences with the use of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) in computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) and computerassisted self-interviewing (CASI) for the collection of sex-related sensitive data from participants of a household based survey, and to compare these data to similar data collected in paper questionnaires
A total of 98 records were recovered from PDA, while 100 records were attained by the paper format
Summary
Low-cost handheld computers (PDA) potentially represent an efficient tool for collecting sensitive data in surveys. The goal of this study is to evaluate the quality of sexual behavior data collected with handheld computers in comparison with paper-based questionnaires. In the last 20 years, different methodologies have appeared to improve data collection quality in sensitive topics [1]. Sexual behavior is largely determined by social, cultural, religious, moral, and legal norms and constraints [2]. Social desirability or self-presentation interviewer can affect reports about sexual behaviors as well as other sensitive behaviors. This might change the analysis for non-responses items [4]
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