Airtime Incentive Amounts to Improve Interactive Voice Response Surveys in Bangladesh and Uganda

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Varying Airtime Incentive Amounts to Improve Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Survey Performance in Bangladesh and Uganda

The Bloomberg Family Foundation, Inc., Makerere University, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research

This study evaluates the effect of two different airtime incentive amounts on interactive voice response (IVR) survey cooperation, response, refusal, and contact rates, as compared to control group, in Bangladesh and Uganda.

Using random digit dialing sampling techniques, the investigators randomized random digit dialed (RDD) participants to one of three airtime incentive amounts contingent on them completing the noncommunicable disease risk factor survey. This mobile phone survey was sent as an interactive voice response (IVR). In IVR surveys, participants use their touch tone key pad to answer pre-recorded questions. (i.e. If you are male, press 1; If you are female, press 2). This study was conducted in both Bangladesh and Uganda

Participants were randomized to one of three airtime incentive amounts: 1) no incentive; 2) 1X incentive; or 3) 2x incentive where X was equal to 50 Bangladeshi Taka ($0.60 USD) or 5000 Ugandan Shillings (UGX; $1.35 USD as of April 3, 2018). Airtime incentives were sent if participants completed the noncommunicable disease risk factor survey

an incentive given in the form of airtime to motivate participants to complete the survey. Participants were given 50 Bangladeshi Taka ($0.60 USD) or 5000 Ugandan Shillings (UGX; $1.35 USD as of April 3, 2018) worth of airtime for completing the survey

an incentive given in the form of airtime to motivate participants to complete the survey. Participants were given 100 Bangladeshi Taka ($1.20 USD) or 10000 UGX ($2.70 USD) worth of airtime for completing the survey

As defined by American Association for Public Opinion Research,the number of complete interviews divided by the sum of complete interviews, partial interviews, refusals, and breakoffs

As defined by American Association for Public Opinion Research,the number of complete and partial interviews divided by the sum of complete interviews, partial interviews, refusals, breakoffs, and the estimated eligible proportion of unknowns

As defined by American Association for Public Opinion Research,the number of refusals and break-offs divided by the number of complete interviews, partial interviews, refusals, breakoffs, and the estimated eligible proportion of unknowns

As defined by American Association for Public Opinion Research,the number of complete and partial interviews, refusals and break-offs divided by the number of complete interviews, partial interviews, refusals, breakoffs, and the estimated eligible proportion of unknowns

Inclusion Criteria: Access to a mobile phone Greater or equal to 18 years of age In Bangladesh, conversant in either English or Bangla language. In Uganda, conversant in either Luo, Luganda, Runyakitara, or English Languages Exclusion Criteria: Less than 18 years of age

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Gibson DG, Wosu AC, Pariyo GW, Ahmed S, Ali J, Labrique AB, Khan IA, Rutebemberwa E, Flora MS, Hyder AA. Effect of airtime incentives on response and cooperation rates in non-communicable disease interactive voice response surveys: randomised controlled trials in Bangladesh and Uganda. BMJ Glob Health. 2019 Sep 6;4(5):e001604. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001604. eCollection 2019.