ACASI: Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing
Research must be based on honest, valid information.
But too often there is a gap between the truth and what interviewees are willing to say because of fear, embarrassment, or desire to please the interviewer.
The Population Council's audio computer-assisted self-interviewing program (ACASI) helps eliminate these biases and deliver more accurate data.
Using computers also reduces errors, time, and cost that would have been required to convert responses from paper to an electronic format so the data can be analyzed.
ACASI is currently used by the Council and other research institutes and has been configured for use in 21 languages and dialects.
Resources
- "Obtaining more accurate and reliable information from adolescents regarding STI/HIV risk behaviors" (PDF)
- "Improving public health through software" (PDF)
Projects using ACASI
- Assessing and Improving the Measurement of Sexual Behaviors
- Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing (ACASI) and Microbicides
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
FGM/C is
- the cutting, removal, and sometimes sewing of external female genitalia for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons.
- a manifestation of deep-rooted gender inequality that assigns women and girls an inferior position in society and has profound physical and social consequences.
The Population Council's efforts to facilitate change
- The Council conducts research to document the extent, types, and the resulting complications of FGM/C. Council staff also track attitude changes and evaluate interventions to end this practice.
Staff profiles
- Nahla Abdel-Tawab, Associate (Egypt)
- Ian Askew, Director, Reproductive Health Services and Research (Kenya)
-
John Townsend, Director, Reproductive Health Program (USA)
Additional information
- The Council's portfolio of research and programs on female genital mutilation/cutting
Change is possible: An FGM/C photo essay
"We abandoned it; it is no longer practiced in the village. Since the public declaration [against FGM/C] I have neither seen nor heard of anyone circumcising his daughter in the village or beyond."
—Female, age 39, Senegal
Microbicides
Fact sheet
Research area/program overviews
Selected Population Council management/senior staff profiles
- Peter J. Donaldson, President
- Naomi Rutenberg, Director, HIV and AIDS Program
- James E. Sailer,
Director, Corporate Affairs
Related news releases
- "The Lancet publishes Carraguard Phase 3 trial results: Trial showed anti-HIV microbicide candidate is safe, but did not prove it effective" (2008) (full text)
- "Trial shows anti-HIV microbicide is safe, but does not prove it effective: Research advances HIV prevention field" (2008) (full text)
26 February 2008 op-ed from The Star (South Africa)
-
"Disappointment in trials another lesson" (2008, posted with permission from The Star) (PDF)
Offsite links
- Global Campaign for Microbicides
- "About microbicides: Clinical testing" (full text)
- "Clinical trials: Are they ethical?" (2005) (PDF)
Contacts and Resources
- Diane Rubino
drubino@popcouncil.org
+1 212 339 0617
- Global Media Contacts
- Population Council experts are available to discuss global health issues. Contact media@popcouncil.org for more information.
What's New
Breakthrough in microbicide research: A gel tested by CAPRISA in South Africa indicates that it is safe and effective in reducing the risk of HIV and herpes infections among women participants; confirmatory research is needed. (more) Naomi Rutenberg, Population Council vice president and director of the HIV and AIDS program, discussed the results of the CAPRISA study on PRI's "The Takeaway." (offsite link)
Mahidol University has awarded Council president Peter J. Donaldson an honorary doctorate in demography in recognition of the significant role he has played in the development of population and social science research in Thailand. (more)
A Closer Look: Stories of Impact, the Population Council’s 2009 annual report, is now available. Read first-person accounts and view striking photographs of our lifesaving work around the world. This year we are also featuring a short documentary, slideshows, and podcasts about our projects. (more)
The Population Council celebrates five decades of American women’s access to the birth control pill. The Council continues to work toward improving reproductive health for all through research and testing of an array of reversible contraceptive methods for both men and women. (more)
Get Involved
- Make a contribution to the Population Council
- Sign up to receive e-mail announcements
- Send an e-card
Connect
