AEGiS-15IAC: Exploring audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) for information gathering on infant feeding in the context of HIV.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Exploring audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) for information gathering on infant feeding in the context of HIV.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. WeOrC1252)

Waruru AK, Nduati R, Tylleskar T
Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

BACKGROUND: Understanding infant feeding practices in the context of HIV and factors that put mothers at risk for HIV infection is an important step towards prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Face-to-face (FTF) interviewing may not be a suitable way of ascertaining this information because respondents may report what is socially desirable. ACASI is thought to increase privacy, reporting of sensitive issues and to eliminate socially desirable responses. We compared ACASI with FTF interviewing and explored its feasibility, usability, and acceptability in a PMTCT program in Kenya.

METHODS: A Graphic User Interface (GUI) was developed using Macromedia Authorware® and questions and instructions recorded in local languages Kikuyu and Kiswahili. Eighty mothers enrolled in the PMTCT program were interviewed with each of the interviewing mode (ACASI and FTF) and responses obtained in FTF interviews and ACASI compared using McNemar's chi[2] for paired proportions.

RESULTS: Mean ages for intended time for breastfeeding were 11 months by ACASI and 19 months by FTF interviewing (p<0.001). Introduction of complementary foods at ≤3 months was reported more frequently by respondents in ACASI compared to FTF interviews for 7 of 13 complementary food items commonly utilized in the study area (p<0.05). Seven percent more respondents reported unstable relationships with ACASI (p=0.039). Use of unsuitable utensils for infant feeding was reported by more respondents in ACASI(p=0.001). Regardless of education level, respondents used ACASI similarly and majority (65%) preferred it to FTF interviewing mainly due to enhanced usability and privacy and most (79%) would prefer ACASI for future interviewing. Conclusion ACASI seems to improve quality of information by increasing response to sensitive questions, decreasing socially desirable responses, and by preventing null responses and was suitable for collecting data in a low-literacy clinical setting.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Seropositivity, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Computers, HIV Infections, Interviews, Data Collection, Privacy, Kenya, Infant, Humans, Child, organization & administration, methods

040711
WeOrC1252