Audio computer-assisted self-interviewing in reproductive health research: reliability assessment among women in Harare, Zimbabwe

PurposeResearch on the measurement of HIV risk demonstrates that interview mode can affect reporting; however, few studies have applied these findings to assessments of hormonal contraceptive use. This paper examines how audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) influenced reports of hormonal contraceptive use and pregnancy among Zimbabwean women.MethodsUsing a prospective, randomized, cross-over design, we compared self-reports obtained with ACASI and face-to-face (FTF) interview among 655 women enrolled in a prospective study on hormonal contraceptive use and HIV acquisition. In addition, self-report data were compared to those collected during clinical exams.ResultsCompared to FTF interviews, reports of hormonal contraceptive use were lower in ACASI [odds ratio (OR)=0.6; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=0.5–0.6], and reports of pregnancy were higher (OR=1.5; 95% CI=1.1–1.9). Both modes of self-report differed from records on contraceptive method disbursement.ConclusionAlthough ACASI yielded higher reports of several reproductive health behaviors, discrepancies between self-reports and clinical data on method disbursement highlight persistent measurement challenges.