Use of Airtime Incentives to Improve Short Message Service Surveys in Colombia and Tanzania

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Airtime Incentives to Improve Short Message Service (SMS) Survey Performance in Colombia and Tanzania

This study evaluates the effect of four different airtime incentive amounts on short message service (SMS) survey cooperation, response, refusal and contact rates, as compared to control group, in Colombia and Tanzania.

Using random digit dialing (RDD) sampling technique, participants were randomized to one of four airtime incentive amounts contingent on them completing the noncommunicable disease risk factor survey. This mobile phone survey will be sent as a short message service (SMS). In SMS surveys, participants use their touch tone key pad to answer written questions. (i.e. If you are male, press 1; If you are female, press 2). This study will be conducted in both Colombia and Tanzania.

Participants will be randomized to one of four airtime amounts: 1) no incentive; 2) 1X incentive; 3) 2X incentive or 4) a lottery incentive, in which one out of every 20 participants will receive the incentive.

As defined by American Association for Public Opinion Research, cooperation rate is defined as I/(I+P+R) where I is complete interviews, P is partial interviews, and R is refusals and breakoffs.

As defined by American Association for Public Opinion Research, response rate is defined as (I+P)/(I+P+R+eU) where I is complete interviews, P is partial interviews, R is refusals and breakoffs, and eU is the estimated eligible proportion of unknowns.

As defined by American Association for Public Opinion Research, refusal rate is defined as (R)/(I+P+R+eU) where R is refusals and breakoffs, I is complete interviews, P is partial interviews, and eU is the estimated eligible proportion of unknowns.

As defined by American Association for Public Opinion Research, contact rate is defined as (I+P+R)/(I+P+R+eU) where I is complete interviews, P is partial interviews, R is refusals and breakoffs, and eU is the estimated eligible proportion of unknowns.

Inclusion Criteria: Access to a mobile phone Greater or equal to 18 years of age In Colombia, conversant in the Spanish language. In Tanzania, conversant in the Swahili language. Exclusion Criteria: Less than 18 years of age

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