Computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI): using the telephone for obtaining information on reproductive health

Author(s)

Cecatti, Jose Guilherme ^{[1, 2]} ; Camargo, Rodrigo P. S. ^[1] ; Pacagnella, Rodolfo Carvalho ^[1] ; Giavarotti, Thais ^[1] ; Souza, Joao Paulo ^[1] ; Parpinelli, Mary Angela ^{[1, 2]} ; Duarte Osis, Maria Jose ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Ciencias Med, BR-13083884 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Ctr Pesquisas Saude Reprod Campinas, Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Cadernos de Saúde Pública; v. 27, n. 9, p. 1801-1808, SEP 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) as a method for obtaining information on reproductive health in Brazil. A total of 998 eligible women for the study were selected to answer a questionnaire through computer- assisted telephone interviewing undertaken by trained interviewers. The outcomes of each telephone contact attempt were described. Differences between groups were assessed using the χ2 test. Phone contact was made in 60.3% of the attempts and 57.5% of the interviews were completed. The success rate improved with the decrease in time from hospitalization to interview and with the higher numbers of telephones available. A total of 2,170 calls were made, comprising of one to sixteen attempts per woman. The majority of situations where extra calls were necessary were due to the number being busy or to the fact that the woman was not available at the time of the call. CATI can prove be a valuable procedure for obtaining information on reproductive health among Brazilian women, particularly for relatively recent events and when more than one alternative telephone number is available. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/00290-8 - Validity of questionnaire on severe maternal morbidity study
• Grantee: José Guilherme Cecatti
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants