Use of Airtime Amounts to Improve Interactive Voice Response Surveys in Colombia and Tanzania

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

This study evaluates the effect of three different airtime incentive amounts on interactive voice response (IVR) 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 one of four airtime incentive amounts contingent on them completing the noncommunicable disease risk factor survey. This mobile phone survey will be 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, pres 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 incentive 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. Airtime incentives were sent if participants completed the noncommunicable disease risk factor survey.

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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