Acceptability of computer assessments among ethnically diverse, low-incomesmokers

Purpose. To examine the acceptability of computer-based assessments among a n ethnically diverse, low-income population of primary care patients. Altho ugh computers have been used to provide assessments and interventions in he alth care settings, members of ethnic minority and low-income households ha ve less access to computers than other groups, and therefore the acceptabil ity of computers as a health care assessment and delivery tool needs to be examined. Design. We examined the acceptability of computers for providing assessment s of smoking history, nicotine dependence, and other related variables amon g an ethnically diverse, low-income primary care population. No interventio n was used in this study. Setting. Three inner-city primary care clinics located in hospitals were us ed as sites for this study. These hospitals were located in areas of the ci ty where low-income and ethnic minority households are overrepresented rela tive to the total population. Subjects. Adult male and female smokers (n = 522) were recruited while awai ting appointments in each primary care clinic. Measures. A questionnaire assessing smoking rate, patterns, history, motiva tion to quit smoking, and other smoking-related variables was administered using either a paper-and-pencil format or a laptop computer. Results. Frequency counts, analysis of variance, and chi(2) tests were used where appropriate. Most subjects (78.5%) used the computer to complete the baseline survey. Almost all subjects (92%) rated the computer "very easy" or "easy" to use. Subjects who were Spanish-speaking, were born outside the United Sates or were Hispanic tended to rate the program a slightly less e asy to use than other subjects. Conclusions. Computer-based assessments appear highly acceptable to individ uals in low-income populations.