ACASI: Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing
Research must be based on honest, valid information.
But too often there is a gap between the truth and what interviewees are willing to say because of fear, embarrassment, or desire to please the interviewer.
The Population Council's audio computer-assisted self-interviewing program (ACASI) helps eliminate these biases and deliver more accurate data.
Using computers also reduces errors, time, and cost that would have been required to convert responses from paper to an electronic format so the data can be analyzed.
ACASI is currently used by the Council and other research institutes and has been configured for use in 21 languages and dialects.
Resources
- "Obtaining more accurate and reliable information from adolescents regarding STI/HIV risk behaviors" (PDF)
- "Improving public health through software" (PDF)
Projects using ACASI
- Assessing and Improving the Measurement of Sexual Behaviors
- Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing (ACASI) and Microbicides
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
FGM/C is
- the cutting, removal, and sometimes sewing of external female genitalia for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons.
- a manifestation of deep-rooted gender inequality that assigns women and girls an inferior position in society and has profound physical and social consequences.
The Population Council's efforts to facilitate change
- The Council conducts research to document the extent, types, and the resulting complications of FGM/C. Council staff also track attitude changes and evaluate interventions to end this practice.
Staff profiles
- Nahla Abdel-Tawab, Associate (Egypt)
- Ian Askew, Director, Reproductive Health Services and Research (Kenya)
-
John Townsend, Director, Reproductive Health Program (USA)
Additional information
- The Council's portfolio of research and programs on female genital mutilation/cutting
Change is possible: An FGM/C photo essay
"We abandoned it; it is no longer practiced in the village. Since the public declaration [against FGM/C] I have neither seen nor heard of anyone circumcising his daughter in the village or beyond."
—Female, age 39, Senegal
Microbicides
Fact sheet
Research area/program overviews
Selected Population Council management/senior staff profiles
- Peter J. Donaldson, President
- Naomi Rutenberg, Director, HIV and AIDS Program
- James E. Sailer,
Director, Corporate Affairs
Related news releases
- "The Lancet publishes Carraguard Phase 3 trial results: Trial showed anti-HIV microbicide candidate is safe, but did not prove it effective" (2008) (full text)
- "Trial shows anti-HIV microbicide is safe, but does not prove it effective: Research advances HIV prevention field" (2008) (full text)
26 February 2008 op-ed from The Star (South Africa)
-
"Disappointment in trials another lesson" (2008, posted with permission from The Star) (PDF)
Offsite links
- Global Campaign for Microbicides
- "About microbicides: Clinical testing" (full text)
- "Clinical trials: Are they ethical?" (2005) (PDF)
Contacts and Resources
- Office of Strategic Communications
pubinfo@popcouncil.org
+1 212 339 0509
- Population Council experts are available to discuss global health issues. Contact pubinfo@popcouncil.org for more information.
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