Use of computerized prenatal interviews for assessing high-risk behaviors among American Indians

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes among American Indians and to compare self-reported information collected under two computer interview conditions: an "anonymous" (N = 183) versus a "confidential" (N = 210) format. Results indicated that under 10% in both groups reported either use of cigarettes or other drugs of abuse, 16% reported risky drinking, 39% reported psychological distress, and 8% reported physical abuse during the current pregnancy. We concluded that confidential computer interviews were appropriate vehicles for obtaining risk information in this population.