Design: This pilot study was descriptive.
Sample & Setting: During the same home visit when infant urine and household dust samples were collected on 20 mother-baby pairs in two rural states, computers or PDAs were used to collect questionnaire data. The mother's average age was 27 years and the baby's average age was17 months.
Method: The study included 3 home visits conducted within 24 hours. Data were collected on the initial visit. Evaluation was completed during the final home visit. Demographic and health history questionnaires had been loaded onto electronic devices using Microsoft Access. The file was programmed so that all fields were complete before saving or submitting data. Time needed to enter data was documented. Participants and data collectors completed a survey evaluating the use of the computerized forms.
Findings: Both participants and data collectors found computerized forms and the electronic devices easy to use. Data entry time ranged from 10 to 20 minutes. Data sets were complete for all participants however converting the access file to SPSS created problems with some variables.
Conclusions: Computerized questionnaires provides useful and time saving method of data entry in rural settings. The benefit of having complete data sets may outweigh cost of technology.
Implications: Multi-site rural research presents many challenges. Strategies need to be developed to increase data entry completeness. Pre-programmed computerized questionnaires that prevent saving incomplete data sets may decrease missing data. Data can be immediately transferred electronically from multiple rural sites for timely evaluation of completeness. _________________________________________________________ NIH/NINR, (1P20NR07790-01), Center for Research on Chronic Health Conditions in Rural Dwellers, Montana State University-Bozeman, College of Nursing.
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