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Rapid surveys for program evaluation: design and implementation of an experiment in Ecuador
K Macintyre1, R E Bilsborrow, C Olmedo
1Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Department of International Health and Development, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. kmacint@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
Summary
Rapid surveys using palmtop computers offer efficient data collection for health professionals. While generally reliable, urban-rural differences in findings require careful interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Informatics
- Survey Methodology
Background:
- Rapid surveys are crucial for timely health data.
- Evaluating new data collection technologies is essential for improving survey efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To field test and evaluate two rapid survey methods in Ecuador.
- To assess the reliability and validity of data from rapid surveys compared to a national survey.
- To explore the impact of data collection tools (paper vs. palmtop) and sampling methods on survey outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A two-way factorial design comparing probability vs. quasi-probability sampling and paper vs. palmtop data collection.
- Field testing of rapid surveys in Ecuador in 1995.
- In-depth interviews with interviewers and respondents to gauge user experience.
Main Results:
- Few differences were found between paper and palmtop data collection methods.
- Urban-rural differentials in contraceptive use were less pronounced in rapid surveys than in the national survey.
- Palmtop computers were popular for data entry speed, and short questionnaires minimized respondent burden.
Conclusions:
- Rapid surveys, particularly with palmtop technology, can be efficiently implemented.
- Caution is advised when interpreting disaggregated data from rapid surveys due to potential attenuation of differentials.
- Technology adoption by interviewers was rapid, dispelling concerns about computer interference with respondents.
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