Assessing the Validity and Appropriateness of Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviews in Urban; Disadvantaged Cape Town Communities

ABSTRACT

Those who study sexual behaviour often rely on self-reported information from surveys. However; results from surveys may be inaccurate due to social desirability bias (SDB). One way to combat SDB is to change the mode of inquiry. Typically surveys are conducted using face-to-face-interviewing. The use of audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) has been proposed as a better alternative. There is evidence from Africa; that use of ACASI may elicit more adequate reporting of sensitive sexual behaviours. Here we describe a sexual behaviour survey we conducted in three disadvantaged communities of Cape Town using ACASI methods: