RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Successful use of tablet personal computers and wireless technologies for the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey
JF Global Health: Science and Practice
JO GLOB HEALTH SCI PRACT
FD Johns Hopkins University- Global Health. Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communication Programs
SP 277
OP 284
DO 10.9745/GHSP-D-12-00056
VO 1
IS 2
A1 Deepak Paudel
A1 Marie Ahmed
A1 Anjushree Pradhan
A1 Rajendra Lal Dangol
YR 2013
UL http://www.ghspjournal.org/content/1/2/277.abstract
AB Using tablet personal computers and wireless technologies in place of paper-based questionnaires to administer the Nepal DHS in a geographically diverse setting appeared to improve data quality and reduce data collection time. Challenges include inconsistent electricity supply, safe storage and transport of equipment, and screen readability issues under direct sunlight, which limited confidential interview spaces. Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), coupled with the use of mobile and wireless technology, is growing as a data collection methodology. Nepal, a geographically diverse and resource-scarce country, implemented the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, a nationwide survey of major health indicators, using tablet personal computers (tablet PCs) and wireless technology for the first time in the country. This paper synthesizes responses on the benefits and challenges of using new technology in such a challenging environment from the 89 interviewers who administered the survey. Overall, feedback from the interviewers indicate that the use of tablet PCs and wireless technology to administer the survey demonstrated potential to improve data quality and reduce data collection time—benefits that outweigh manageable challenges, such as storage and transport of the tablet PCs during fieldwork, limited options for confidential interview space due to screen readability issues under direct sunlight, and inconsistent electricity supply at times. The introduction of this technology holds great promise for improving data availability and quality, even in a context with limited infrastructure and extremely difficult terrain.