scholarly journals Process and implementation of Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI) assessments in low resource settings: a case example from Zambia

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Kane ◽  
L. K. Murray ◽  
S. Sughrue ◽  
J. DeMulder ◽  
S. Skavenski van Wyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Orphans And Vulnerable Children ◽  
Barriers And Challenges ◽  
Audio Computer

Background.Studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) indicate that the use of audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) is associated with more accurate reporting of sensitive behaviors (e.g. substance use and sexual risk behaviors) compared with interviewer-administered questionnaires. There is a lack of published information on the process of designing, developing, and implementing ACASI in LMIC. In this paper we describe our experience implementing an ACASI system for use with a population of orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia.Methods.A questionnaire of mental health, substance use, and HIV risk behaviors was converted into an ACASI system, tested in pilot and validity studies, and implemented for use in a randomized controlled trial. Successes, barriers, and challenges associated with each stage in the development and implementation of ACASI are described.Results.We were able to convert a lengthy and complex survey into an ACASI system that was feasible for use in Zambia. Lessons learned include the importance of: (1) piloting the written and electronic versions; (2) proper and extensive training for study assessors to use ACASI and for those doing voice recordings; and (3) attention to logistics such as appropriate space, internet, and power.Conclusions.We found that ACASI was feasible and acceptable in Zambia with proper planning, training, and supervision. Given mounting evidence indicating that ACASI provides more accurate self-report data and immediate data download compared with interview-administered measures, it may be an effective and economical alternative for behavioral health research studies in LMIC.

scholarly journals Case Study: Converting Paper-based Case Report Forms to an Electronic Format (e-CRF) with ACASI Self-Report Integration

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stan John Mierzwa
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Select Group ◽  
Health Project ◽  
Project Site ◽  
Test Feasibility ◽  
Audio Computer

This paper will discuss the integration of electronic Case Report Forms (e-CRFs) into an already existing Android-based Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI) software solution that was developed for a public health project in Kampala, Uganda, the technical outcome results, and lessons learned that may be useful to other projects requiring or considering such a technology solution.  The developed product can function without a connection to the Internet and allows for synchronizing collected data once connectivity is possible.  Previously, only paper-based CRFs were utilized at the Uganda project site.  A subset or select group of CRFs were targeted for integration with ACASI in order to test feasibility and success.  Survey volume, error rate, and acceptance of the system, as well as the operational and technical design of the solution, will be discussed. 

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy With Substance-Using Individuals

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnny S. Kim ◽  
Jody Brook ◽  
Becci A. Akin
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Brief Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Addiction Severity Index ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Solution Focused Brief Therapy ◽  
Solution Focused

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) intervention on substance abuse and trauma-related problems. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of SFBT in primary substance use treatment services for child welfare involved parents in outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Mixed linear models were used to test within- and between-group changes using intent-to-treat analysis ( N = 64). Hedges’s g effect sizes were also calculated to examine magnitude of treatment effects. Results: Both groups decreased on the Addiction Severity Index-Self-Report and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40. The between group effect sizes were not statistically significant on either measures, thus SFBT produced similar results as the research supported treatments the control group received. Conclusion: Results support the use of SFBT in treating substance use and trauma and provide an alternative approach that is more strengths based and less problem focused.

scholarly journals Substitute Behaviors following Residential Substance Use Treatment in the Western Cape, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12815
Author(s):  
Deborah Louise Sinclair ◽  
Steve Sussman ◽  
Maarten De Schryver ◽  
Cedric Samyn ◽  
Sabirah Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Substance Use Treatment ◽  
Targeted Prevention ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Brief Assessment

The dynamics of substitute behaviors and associated factors remain poorly understood globally, and particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. This prospective study describes the prevalence and types of substitute behaviors as well as predictors, correlates, and motivations associated with substitution in persons (n = 137) admitted to residential substance use treatment in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The brief assessment of recovery capital, overall life satisfaction scale, and an adapted version of the addiction matrix self-report measure were completed during and post-treatment. Results indicate that substitutes were employed consciously for anticipated appetitive effects, for time-spending, (re)connecting with others, and enjoyment. At follow-up, 36% of service users had substituted their primary substance(s) with another substance or behavior; 23% had relapsed and 40% had maintained abstinence. While some service users may be especially vulnerable to developing substitute behaviors, targeted prevention and intervention efforts can reduce this risk.

scholarly journals Measuring Symptoms of Psychopathology in Zambian Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Scale Validation and Psychometric Evaluation

Assessment ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1335-1348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah McIvor Murray ◽  
Paul Bolton ◽  
Jeremy C. Kane ◽  
Daniel P. Lakin ◽  
Stephanie Skavenski Van Wyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Symptom Scale ◽  
Vulnerable Children ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Orphans And Vulnerable Children ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

There is a paucity of validated mental health measures for assessing psychological well-being among HIV-affected youth. We sought to explore the psychometric properties and validity of the Achenbach Youth Self-Report and Child Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living in Lusaka, Zambia. These scales were administered to 210 OVC aged 13 to 17 years via audio computer-assisted self-interview. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess scale structure, Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency, and correlations between scales related to mental or psychosocial health for construct validity. A known-groups validation was conducted using local identifications of youth with and without significant psychosocial problems, and test–retest reliability was assessed. Scales exhibited good internal reliability (α > .80), adequate criterion validity (area under the curve > .70), and moderate test–retest reliability (.62-.68). Findings support the utility of these symptom scales for identifying OVC experiencing significant psychosocial problems in Zambia.

Health Risk Behaviors With Synthetic Cannabinoids Versus Marijuana

2017 ◽  
pp. 5-14
Author(s):  
Heather B. Clayton ◽  
Richard Lowry ◽  
Carmen Ashley ◽  
Amy Wolkin ◽  
Althea M. Grant
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Health Risk Behaviors ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Substance Use Prevention ◽  
The Past ◽  
Nationally Representative

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Data are limited on the behavioral risk correlates of synthetic cannabinoid use. The purpose of this study was to compare the behavioral risk correlates of synthetic cannabinoid use with those among marijuana users. METHODS Data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional survey conducted in a nationally representative sample of students in grades 9 through 12 (N = 15 624), were used to examine the association between self-reported type of marijuana use (ie, never use of marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids, ever use of marijuana only, and ever use of synthetic cannabinoids) and self-report of 36 risk behaviors across 4 domains: substance use, injury/violence, mental health, and sexual health. Multivariable models were used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS Students who ever used synthetic cannabinoids had a significantly greater likelihood of engaging in each of the behaviors in the substance use and sexual risk domains compared with students who ever used marijuana only. Students who ever used synthetic cannabinoids were more likely than students who ever used marijuana only to have used marijuana before age 13 years, to have used marijuana ≥1 times during the past 30 days, and to have used marijuana ≥20 times during the past 30 days. Several injury/violence behaviors were more prevalent among students who ever used synthetic cannabinoids compared with students who ever used marijuana only. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals and school-based substance use prevention programs should include strategies focused on the prevention of both synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana.

scholarly journals Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and injecting drug users and validation of audio computer-assisted self interview (ACASI) technique in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan, Nigeria: Technical report

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Injecting Drug Users ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Technical Report ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Audio Computer

Most-at-risk populations (MARPS), including men who have sex with men (MSM) and injecting drug users (IDUs), represent 1 percent of Nigeria’s population yet account for 38 percent of new HIV infections. Despite their elevated risk, MSM and IDUs are less likely than the general population to access HIV prevention and sexual health services because of stigmatization. There is a dearth of data on prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among MSM and IDUs because their behaviors make them difficult to be reached programmatically and engaged in research. While the need for HIV and STI prevalence data is clear, there is also a need to improve the quality and reliability of behavioral data collected for national surveillance, where these stigmatized subpopulations may underreport sensitive behaviors that put them most at risk. This technical report provides details of a study that sought to determine the prevalence of HIV and STIs and sexual and injecting risk behaviors in MSM and male IDUs, and determine if Audio Computer-Assisted Self Interviews provide more accurate reporting of risk behaviors than face-to-face interviewing.

scholarly journals Parenting Support: Mediation Pathways for Reduced Substance Use Among Parents and Their Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeem Massarwi ◽  
Lucie Cluver ◽  
Fraziska Meinck ◽  
Jamie Lachman ◽  
Jenny Doubt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
Parenting Programme ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Parental Substance Use ◽  
Family Based

Abstract Background: Substance use is a major public health concern worldwide. Alcohol and drug use have risen over recent decades in many low and middle-income countries, with South Africa among the highest globally.Despite effectiveness of family-based interventions on reducing substance use among adolescents, less is known about the effectiveness of family-based programs on substance use among parents and caregivers, in particular, among families in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).This study investigated mediators of change in a parenting programme (Parenting for Lifelong Health -PLH) on reduction of substance use among parents and their children through three potential mediators: parental depression, parenting stress and family poverty. In addition, the study examined the correlation between parental substance use and adolescent substance use.Methods: The current study draws on a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial design; the total sample comprised 552 parents\caregiver and adolescent dyads (parents\caregivers M = 49.37; SD = 14.69 and adolescents M = 13.84; SD = 2.38) who were recruited from 40 communities in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Participants completed a structured confidential self-report questionnaire, at baseline and follow-up test (5–9 months following the intervention). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to investigate direct and indirect effects. Results: Mediation analysis indicated that PLH intervention impact on parental substance use reduction among parents ran through one indirect pathway: Improvement in parental mental health (reduction in parental depression levels). There were no pathways from PLH intervention to parental substance use through parenting stress or family poverty. Furthermore, findings showed a significant positive correlation between parental substance use and adolescents' substance use.Conclusions: The findings of the study highlight the fact that PLH parenting intervention has a significant effect on secondary outcomes, including substance use and depression among parents\caregivers in LMIC. These findings emphasize the need for creating supportive environments and systems for parents who suffer from emotional strain and mental health problems, in particular among families in adversity. Supporting parental mental health as part of a parenting programme serves as a significant pathway for reducing substance use among parents and their children.Trial registration: Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201507001119966. Registered on 27 April 2015. It can be found by searching for the key word ‘Sinovuyo’ on their website or via the following link:http://www.pactr.org/ATMWeb/appmanager/atm/atmregistry_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=BasicSearchUpdateController_1&BasicSearchUpdateController_1_actionOverride=%2Fpageflows%2Ftrial%2FbasicSearchUpdate%2FviewTrail&BasicSearchUpdateController_1id=1119

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document