BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Computer interviews have potential value in screening pregnant patients for substance abuse and other behavioral risk factors linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The focus of this study was to determine whether a patient-interactive computerized assessment and education program was an acceptable and valid means of obtaining behavioral risk data. METHODS: Study participants completed a computer interview, and computer-generated reports of substance use and physical abuse within the past year were compared with information in the participants' prenatal records. The accuracy of computer interview reports of substance use was evaluated by performing urine drug screens. RESULTS: More than 95% of the 265 women who completed the computer interview rated it favorably. Drug use and physical abuse were reported significantly more often during the computer interview, compared with information obtained from the patients' medical records. Results of urine drug screens demonstrated a high concurrence rate between self-reports of drug use and the results of urine analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that the computerized assessment was well received by patients and yielded valid information regarding risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Computer interviews have potential value in screening pregnant patients for substance abuse and other behavioral risk factors linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The focus of this study was to determine whether a patient-interactive computerized assessment and education program was an acceptable and valid means of obtaining behavioral risk data. METHODS: Study participants completed a computer interview, and computer-generated reports of substance use and physical abuse within the past year were compared with information in the participants' prenatal records. The accuracy of computer interview reports of substance use was evaluated by performing urine drug screens. RESULTS: More than 95% of the 265 women who completed the computer interview rated it favorably. Drug use and physical abuse were reported significantly more often during the computer interview, compared with information obtained from the patients' medical records. Results of urine drug screens demonstrated a high concurrence rate between self-reports of drug use and the results of urine analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that the computerized assessment was well received by patients and yielded valid information regarding risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes.