ABSTRACT

Le, Linh Cu, Robert W. Blum, Robert Magnani, Paul C. Hewett, and Hoa M. Do. 2006. "A pilot of audio-computer assisted self-interview for youth reproductive health research in Vietnam," Journal of Adolescent Health 38(6): 740–747.

Purpose
Several recent adolescent health studies in Vietnam have shown low levels of premarital sex among youth compared to neighboring countries and other regions of the world. One possible explanation for these findings is that adolescents in Vietnam are less willing to reveal their true behaviors. This study aims to assess the level of reporting of sensitive behaviors/events using three methods of survey data collection: face-to-face interviewer-administered (IA), paper-and-pencil self-administered (SA), and audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI).

Methods
A randomized experiment was undertaken in Gialam, a suburb of Hanoi, among a sample of 2,394 youth ages 15–24 years. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of three interviewing methods, with females and males evaluated separately.

Results
ACASI showed certain advantages with regard to respondent attitudes and perceptions of sensitive topics. ACASI also revealed higher prevalence rates for sensitive and stigmatized behaviors. Among those in the paper-and-pencil survey group it is estimated that 12.9 percent of unmarried males and 3.4 percent of unmarried females have had premarital sex. The rate found by using ACASI is higher at 17.1 percent in males (95% CI: 13.5–21.4) and 4.5 percent in females (95% CI: 2.7–7.3). Using ACASI, unmarried males also reported higher levels of risky sexual relations. For example, 7.8 percent confirmed visiting sex workers compared with only 1.2 percent in SA group and 3.9 percent in IA group. Additionally, ACASI respondents reported having had more sex partners by age group, gender, and marital status.

Conclusions
When coupled with the emerging data from around the world, the present findings suggest that researchers should consider using ACASI for future studies dealing with sensitive and stigmatized topics.

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