Adolescents' perceptions of a health survey using multimedia computer-assisted self-administered interview

Objective: To ascertain young people's perceptions of an adolescent health survey when administered by multimedia computer assisted self-administered Interview (M-CAST) through analysis of (1) questionnaire item responses and (2) focus group interviews. Methodology: Setting: Auckland, New Zealand, 1999. Study type: Pilot testing of a 488-item branching questionnaire delivered using a youth-oriented and user-friendly M-CAST interface in a variety of settings using both desktop and laptop computers. Post pilot focus groups of participants identifying their perceptions and experiences of the survey. Sample: 110 school students aged 12 to 18 years. Results: The mean number of questions answered by participants was 316 with the median time to completion being 48 minutes. On average 65% of the total number of questions were seen and of these 1.5% were deliberately not answered. A high level of acceptability and enjoyment of M-CAST was found in the analysis of focus group responses and agreed with the item responses relating to M-CAST within the questionnaire itself. Participants identified privacy and confidentiality as being particularly important for the honesty of their responses. The passive matrix screens of the computers were popular as they could only be viewed from in front. Conclusions: M-CASI is an acceptable instrument for the administration of a youth health survey. Laptop computers with passive matrix screens are able to enhance perceptions of privacy and confidentiality, which may improve honesty of responses. Implications: M-CAST is now feasible and offers advantages in health surveying.