MEASURING AND ASSESSING VARIABILITY OF DATA ON SELF-REPORTED SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR COLLECTED USING DIFFERENT METHODS

摘要: This study investigated the variability in self-reported sexual behavior data collected using different methods. The motivation for was to better understand behaviour as a means of reducing HIV incidence among women. Respondents were women enrolled Microbicides Development Programme pilot at Africa Centre Health and Population Studies Umkhanyakude district KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. These 51 asked use placebo vaginal gel before sex 4 weeks. Three methods collection used order evaluate accuracy collected. A coital diary kept all weeks, questionnaire administered end weeks then an indepth interview conducted within following week. Variations reporting subsequently probed regarding number acts, condom usage, usage. There variance individual reports – tools numbers use, use. majority discrepancies reported by be due misunderstandings or recall bias. concludes that multiple adds value terms being able report on level thereby improving confidence with which can interpreted. Further analysis in-depth interviews is necessary assess social desirability Variability does exist methods, but case record forms could substitute depth large scale microbicides clinical trials since this not major.