Use of Airtime Timing to Improve Interactive Voice Response Surveys in Bangladesh and Uganda

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

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

Using random digit dialing sampling techniques, the study randomized RDD participants to one of three airtime incentive timings, some of all of that incentive being contingent on their 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 timings: 1) no incentive; 2) 0.1X incentive received before the IVR noncommunicable disease risk factor survey is sent, followed by 1X incentive upon completing the survey; or 3) 1X incentive received upon completing the survey.

An incentive of is given in the form of airtime to motivate participants to complete the survey. Participants were sent 0.1X before the were sent a mobile phone survey and an additional 1X after completing the survey.

An incentive in the form of airtime to motivate participants to complete the survey. Participants were given Bangladeshi Taka or Ugandan Shillings worth of certain airtime for completing the 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 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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