Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 30, Issue 3 , Pages 237-243, April 2006

A randomized trial of audio computer and in-person interview to assess HIV risk among drug and alcohol users in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

  • Anna Azevedo Simoes, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Health Department of the State Government of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. State Center of Treatment and Rehabilitation of Addicts, Rua D. Mariana 151, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22280-020, Brazil. Tel.: +55 21 2299 5920; fax: +55 21 2299 5922.
    • ,
  • Francisco Inacio Bastos, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • ,
  • Ronaldo Ismerio Moreira, M.Sc.

      Affiliations

    • Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • ,
  • Kevin G. Lynch, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
    • ,
  • David S. Metzger, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Received 12 May 2005; received in revised form 10 December 2005; accepted 18 December 2005.

Abstract 

This study compares drug patterns and prevalence of risk behaviors in a randomized trial using two methods of administration, Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI) and Interviewer-Administered Questionnaire (IAQ), among drug users seeking treatment in a drug treatment center. We randomized 735 participants: 367 to ACASI and 368 to IAQ. No significant difference in sociodemographic variables were found between subjects in the two arms of the study. Those interviewed by ACASI were more likely to report use on 7 of 10 substances assessed. Rates of reporting of sexual risk behaviors (male-to-male and commercial sex) were higher among participants in the ACASI arm. ACASI seems to be a key resource in improving the reporting of sensitive data in Brazil, as it has been in prior international studies.

Keywords: ACASI, Substance abuse, Risk behavior, HIV/STI, Interview

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PII: S0740-5472(06)00006-7

doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2005.12.002

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 30, Issue 3 , Pages 237-243, April 2006

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