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.