A Pilot Study of a Picture- and Audio-assisted Self-interviewing Method (PIASI) for the Study of Sensitive Questions on HIV in the Field. Issue 1 (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aarnio, Pauliina; Kulmala, Teija
• Is Part Of: Field methods. Volume 28:Issue 1(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: male involvement -- self-interview -- interview -- HIV -- sensitive topics; Ethnology -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Anthropology -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Anthropologie -- Méthodologie -- Périodiques; 306.072
• DOI: 10.1177/1525822X15579652
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1525-822X

Abstract

Self-interview methods such as audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) are used to improve the accuracy of interview data on sensitive topics in large trials. Small field studies on sensitive topics would benefit from methodological alternatives. In a study on male involvement in antenatal HIV testing in a largely illiterate population in Malawi, we piloted picture- and audio-assisted self-interviewing (PIASI). Out of 388 participants, 96 were randomized to answer six sensitive questions using PIASI after the face-to-face interview (FTF). Participants who responded by PIASI were more likely to express accepting attitudes toward childbearing by HIV-positive women than were FTF respondents. Most considered PIASI easy to use, and one in five preferred it to FTF. PIASI may offer a feasible, low-cost alternative to ACASI for small and simple studies on sensitive topics and in illiterate populations.