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Computer-Assisted Mobile Phone Interviews in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Through a Total Survey Error Framework
Abigail R Greenleaf1, Huguette Diakabana2, Charles Lau3
1Technical Specialist, ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, US; and Assistant Professor, Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, US.
Public Opinion Quarterly
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) using mobile phones in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is growing. This synthesis reviews methodological research, highlighting key findings on representation and measurement errors in CATI surveys.
Area of Science:
- Survey Methodology
- Public Health Research
- International Development
Background:
- Computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) via mobile phones is increasingly adopted in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
- Existing methodological literature on CATI in LMIC is fragmented across disciplines and research designs.
- A comprehensive understanding of representation and measurement error in these surveys is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize peer-reviewed methodological research on CATI mobile phone surveys in LMIC.
- To identify examined study designs, topic areas, and total survey error components.
- To summarize findings on representation and measurement errors in LMIC CATI surveys.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review methodology employed.
- Identified and reviewed 38 peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Focused on research examining CATI mobile phone surveys in LMIC.
Main Results:
- Cataloged study designs, topic areas, and total survey error components investigated.
- Synthesized evidence regarding representation errors in LMIC CATI mobile phone surveys.
- Summarized findings on measurement errors in LMIC CATI mobile phone surveys.
Conclusions:
- Provides a consolidated overview of methodological research on CATI in LMIC.
- Highlights the conditions under which CATI surveys can be effectively implemented in LMIC.
- Informs best practices for conducting mobile phone CATI surveys in diverse LMIC contexts.
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