Barriers to questionnaire completion: understanding the AIDS/HIV patient's perspective

To determine what encourages or discourages AIDS/HIV patients from completing questionnaires.

Data from surveys can provide important information but response rates can be poor. Factors that affect this in an HIV clinic population have not been assessed previously.

The researchers used a qualitative approach and a structured interview schedule. Ten patients were recruited and participated in one-to-one interviews.

Most patients saw the potential value of completing a questionnaire in the clinic. Lack of privacy during completion was raised as a concern, particularly if there were sensitive questions to respond to. Lack of technical competence was identified by some as a barrier to participation in electronic surveys. Tickboxes were preferred over rating scales or open answers. Participants did not expect a cash incentive or entry in a prize draw when asked to complete a questionnaire in-clinic.

Generally, AIDS/HIV patients were willing to participate in surveys. Availability of a private area to complete the questionnaire, avoiding complex electronic systems, completion in the clinic, tickbox answers and a length of under two sides of A4 were the most important features that improved acceptability of the questionnaire to patients. Implications for research Surveys that evaluate care need to be short, easy to complete and have clear relevance to the patients' experience.