Abstract
Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), coupled with the use of mobile and wireless technology, is growing as a data collection methodology. Nepal, a geographically diverse and resource-scarce country, implemented the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, a nationwide survey of major health indicators, using tablet personal computers (tablet PCs) and wireless technology for the first time in the country. This paper synthesizes responses on the benefits and challenges of using new technology in such a challenging environment from the 89 interviewers who administered the survey. Overall, feedback from the interviewers indicate that the use of tablet PCs and wireless technology to administer the survey demonstrated potential to improve data quality and reduce data collection time-benefits that outweigh manageable challenges, such as storage and transport of the tablet PCs during fieldwork, limited options for confidential interview space due to screen readability issues under direct sunlight, and inconsistent electricity supply at times. The introduction of this technology holds great promise for improving data availability and quality, even in a context with limited infrastructure and extremely difficult terrain.
Highlights
BACKGROUNDGlobal Health: Science and Practice 2013 | Volume 1 | Number 2 highlights lessons learned, benefits, and challenges of using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and wireless technology to collect data for a large-scale survey in Nepal—a geographically difficult and resource-poor environment
Global Health: Science and Practice 2013 | Volume 1 | Number 2 highlights lessons learned, benefits, and challenges of using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and wireless technology to collect data for a large-scale survey in Nepal—a geographically difficult and resource-poor environment.Ranked 157th of 187 countries in the Human Development Index,[4] Nepal features a small territory (147,181 sq km) with diverse geography and a relatively small population (26.6 million)[5] but with ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity that adds another layer of development challenges.The country has been wracked by a decadelong conflict that nominally ended in 2006, but the country remains fragile politically
After completing 1 month of data collection, we organized review sessions to discuss progress, challenges, benefits, and areas for improvement related to data collection and use of the tablet PCs, Bluetooth, and Internet File Streaming System (IFSS) system
Summary
Global Health: Science and Practice 2013 | Volume 1 | Number 2 highlights lessons learned, benefits, and challenges of using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and wireless technology to collect data for a large-scale survey in Nepal—a geographically difficult and resource-poor environment. After completing 1 month of data collection, we organized review sessions to discuss progress, challenges, benefits, and areas for improvement related to data collection and use of the tablet PCs, Bluetooth, and IFSS system. Since all interviewers were trained on how to use the paper surveys as a backup to the tablet PC, they were able to compare the two experiences even if they had not participated in the previous paper-based DHS. We provided any necessary technical support and guidance to the field teams on the use of tablet PCs and wireless technology, the interviewing process, and other logistical issues. The most important benefit to using tablet PCs for data collection, as perceived by 80% of the interviewers, was that the survey software guided the interview, improving the interview experience, primarily because it was easier to administer the questionnaire and ensure data
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