Comparison of Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interview and Face-To-Face Interview Methods in Eliciting HIV-Related Risks among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Men Who Inject Drugs in Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionFace-to-face (FTF) interviews are the most frequently used means of obtaining information on sexual and drug injecting behaviours from men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who inject drugs (MWID). However, accurate information on these behaviours may be difficult to elicit because of sociocultural hostility towards these populations and the criminalization associated with these behaviours. Audio computer assisted self-interview (ACASI) is an interviewing technique that may mitigate social desirability bias in this context.MethodsThis study evaluated differences in the reporting of HIV-related risky behaviours by MSM and MWID using ACASI and FTF interviews. Between August and September 2010, 712 MSM and 328 MWID in Nigeria were randomized to either ACASI or FTF interview for completion of a behavioural survey that included questions on sensitive sexual and injecting risk behaviours. Data were analyzed separately for MSM and MWID. Logistic regression was run for each behaviour as a dependent variable to determine differences in reporting methods.ResultsMSM interviewed via ACASI reported significantly higher risky behaviours with both women (multiple female sexual partners 51% vs. 43%, p = 0.04; had unprotected anal sex with women 72% vs. 57%, p = 0.05) and men (multiple male sex partners 70% vs. 54%, p≤0.001) than through FTF. Additionally, they were more likely to self-identify as homosexual (AOR: 3.3, 95%CI:2.4–4.6) and report drug use in the past 12 months (AOR:40.0, 95%CI: 9.6–166.0). MWID interviewed with ACASI were more likely to report needle sharing (AOR:3.3, 95%CI:1.2–8.9) and re-use (AOR:2.2, 95%CI:1.2–3.9) in the past month and prior HIV testing (AOR:1.6, 95%CI 1.02–2.5).ConclusionThe feasibility of using ACASI in studies and clinics targeting key populations in Nigeria must be explored to increase the likelihood of obtaining more accurate data on high risk behaviours to inform improved risk reduction strategies that reduce HIV transmission.

Substance Use and HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Africa: A Systematic Review

“…Injecting drug use in the past month was reported to be 7.7% among MSM in Nigeria. 75 Prevalence of drug use in the past 3 months ranged from 1.4% for MSM in Kenya 18 to 13.9% for MSM in Tanzania. 76 The 6-month and past year range is 0.0% in Botswana 39 to 12.2% in Malawi, 77 and 0.7% in Tanzania 74 to 7.7% in Lesotho, 63 respectively.…”

“…A study among Nigerian MSM indicated the importance of assessment procedures: with Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI), the reported injection drug use was 40 times higher than in face-to-face interviews. 75 Baral et al 77 reported that almost one in five MSM were not willing to answer a question about injecting drug use.…”

Commune Health Workers' Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Knowledge and Perceived Difficulties Providing Decentralized MMT Services in Vietnam

“…The CHW completed the survey using Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI), which offers protection of confidentiality while reducing social desirability and pressure during assessment (Adebajo et al, 2014). The participant listened to the survey questions read in the audio system (also shown on the screen) and directly entered the responses into a laptop computer.…”

Kuantim mi tu (“Count me too”): Using Multiple Methods to Estimate the Number of Female Sex Workers, Men Who Have Sex With Men, and Transgender Women in Papua New Guinea in 2016 and 2017 (Preprint)

“…This social desirability bias could be mitigated in the future through the use of computer-assisted self-interviews. [22][23][24] The unique object multiplier relies on separate, accurate reporting of keychains given out by distributors and keychains received by KP. We cannot know for certain whether all keychains that were said to be distributed were actually given, that individuals received only one keychain each, or how many keychain recipients were simply ineligible for the survey.…”