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Multicenter Study
. 2020 Feb 27:17:E20.
doi: 10.5888/pcd17.190294.

Feasibility of Administering an Electronic Version of the National Youth Tobacco Survey in a Classroom Setting

S Sean Hu  1 , Andrea Gentzke  2 , Ahmed Jamal  2 , David Homa  2 , Linda Neff  2
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Feasibility of Administering an Electronic Version of the National Youth Tobacco Survey in a Classroom Setting

S Sean Hu et al. Prev Chronic Dis. .

Abstract

Introduction: The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) has successfully monitored tobacco product use patterns and correlates since 1999 among US students in grades 6 through 12 using a scannable paper-and-pencil format. We conducted a study to determine the feasibility and potential benefits of administering an electronic version of the NYTS in school settings.

Methods: The pilot survey was administered by using 2 versions. Version 1 mimicked the scannable paper-and-pencil format with respect to design, formatting, and structure, but was administered on a tablet computer. Version 2 used an electronic survey design and formatting capabilities, which included programmed logic skips and tobacco product images. Chi-square and t tests were used to assess subgroup differences. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to determine if the odds of ever and current tobacco product use differed between the 2 versions.

Results: In total, 2,769 students completed version 1 or version 2. Three-quarters of respondents reported a strong preference for using an electronic device to take the NYTS (74.7%). Compared with version 1, version 2 reduced the mean time to complete the survey by 15% (P < .01), reduced the number of questions students needed to answer by 30% (P < .01), and removed 1.9% of inconsistent survey responses. A significant difference was observed for ever e-cigarette use between versions 1 (22.2%) and 2 (29.5%; P < .0001). No significant differences in ever or current use were observed for other tobacco products.

Conclusion: An electronic mode of administration is feasible and valid for conducting surveillance of tobacco product use among US youths.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participants response, routes by survey version in an electronic pilot, National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2018.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Participant attitudes toward an electronic survey, electronic pilot, National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), 2018.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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