Estimating illicit drug use through telephone interviews and the randomized response technique

Area of Science:

• Drug use research
• Survey methodology
• Public health surveillance

Background:

• Field interviewing is a common method for collecting sensitive data like drug use.
• Concerns exist regarding respondent privacy and honesty in direct questioning.
• Alternative methods are needed to improve data accuracy and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the viability of telephone interviewing for eliciting drug use information.
• To compare a novel randomized response technique (RRT) with direct questioning via telephone.
• To identify respondent characteristics influencing receptiveness to the RRT.

Main Methods:

• A modified version of Warner's randomized response technique (RRT) was adapted for telephone interviews.
• Telephone responses using RRT were compared to responses from direct questioning.
• Respondent background characteristics were analyzed for RRT receptiveness.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found between RRT and direct questioning.
• Three out of four comparisons favored the RRT, suggesting a potential advantage.
• Analysis identified certain respondent characteristics associated with higher receptiveness to RRT.

Conclusions:

• Telephone interviewing with RRT is a potentially viable method for collecting drug use data.
• RRT may enhance data accuracy for sensitive topics compared to direct questioning.
• Further research should explore RRT's application in diverse populations and settings.