Implementation of a Computerized Tablet-Survey in an Adolescent Large-Scale, School-Based Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Survey Methodology

Background:

• Traditional paper-and-pencil surveys remain prevalent in school-based adolescent research due to practical limitations of computer access.
• Tablet-assisted self-interviews (TASI) are proposed as an alternative but have been largely untested in school settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a method for implementing Tablet-assisted self-interviews (TASI) in a school environment.
• To evaluate the feasibility and success of TASI for collecting adolescent tobacco use data.

Main Methods:

• Administered TASI to 3907 middle and high school students across 79 schools.
• Survey focused on tobacco product use and marketing exposure, incorporating extensive skip patterns and visual aids.
• Assessed tobacco use behaviors in depth, adapting questions based on individual responses.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated high receptivity to tablets, requiring no prior instruction.
• No devices were lost, stolen, or damaged during the study.
• Achieved a high response rate, with 92% of participants answering over 96% of questions, mitigating concerns about item nonresponse.

Conclusions:

• TASI implementation was feasible and successful across a diverse student and school population.
• The method generated a unique, in-depth dataset on adolescent tobacco use behaviors unattainable with paper surveys.
• TASI represents a viable and effective tool for future school-based health research.