Involving workers in research using electronic data collection tools

Background: Commercial janitors are a group of primarily immigrant, low wage workers who face significant risk at work, and are difficult to reach. Few occupational studies have trained workers to collect research data from peers with electronic data collection tools. In response to a request from a local union representing commercial janitors, we developed a study involving workers documenting occupational health concerns. Janitors collaborated with the research team in the study design, recruitment and interviewing process. Methods: Union and non-union janitors were recruited to administer a cross-sectional questionnaire among their peers (target: 275 union, 75 non-union, 75 union security guard controls). A cross-sectional questionnaire was developed, translated into three languages, and downloaded into tablets using Open Data Kit technology (ODK), allowing for remote collection and central web-based storage of data. Twenty workers received a four-hour training on recruitment, Institutional Review Board requirements, questionnaire content, and tablet use. Training was delivered, and the questionnaire administered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Follow-up, technical support and quality assurance was provided by study staff. Results: Janitors effectively recruited and interviewed peers at their worksites and through the union. Over 200 surveys were completed within three weeks, and all interviews were complete in a three month period. Conclusion: Workers trained as interviewers can efficiently recruit and interview peers in a short time span using novel electronic data collection methods while working from remote locations. The use of web-based technology and tablets for data collection streamlined research process.