Survey research with preliterate adult populations in post conflict situations using researcher-assisted self-completion questionnaires

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative and effective approach for conducting surveys with preliterate adults in a context of limited infrastructure in post conflict Burundi, Africa. We conducted surveys with parents/carers of children with a disability and community members, as a component of mixed methods research with children and adults to provide baseline data for Handicap International in developing programs to prevent sexual abuse among children with a disability. To meet the challenges of conducting surveys on the sensitive topic in such field conditions, we developed specifically adapted researcher-assisted self-completion questionnaires (RASCQ) using images and verbal guidance. RASCQ allowed researchers to provide respondents with supports needed to complete surveys and the privacy and confidentiality needed to encourage honest answers. This paper discusses the development process, details of survey implementation, and quality of data obtained. RASCQ proposed in the current study can be used in various studies with marginalised groups and people in developing countries.

Keywords:

• Assisted questionnaire
• self-report
• survey
• preliteracy
• post-conflict
• sexual violence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the staff of Handicap International (HI), Lyon, France, for initiating this evaluation and their vision and input into its implementation. We particularly wish to thank the HI staff on the ground in Burundi for their enthusiastic support and research participants for their valuable participation. We appreciate assistance in entering data and proofreading provided by Tashi James, Paul Skropidis, Simon Hillier, and Martina Thiermann.