Feasibility of validating survey self-reports of mental health service use.
Survey respondents may inaccurately report mental health service utilization for motivational and cognitive reasons. There is little evidence on accuracy of self-reports of mental health service use, and this evidence suggests that respondents tend to underreport inpatient utilization. This study addressed the question of self-report accuracy by comparing survey data from a large probability sample to data from computerized records of publicly funded mental health services. Few inaccuracies in self-reporting were detected. However, despite the use of data bases that were unusually appropriate for verifying self-reports, several problems limited the feasibility of validation. Suggestions are offered for increasing the feasibility of validation in future studies.
Golding
J M
JM
Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
Gongla
P
P
Brownell
A
A
D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011939:Mental Recall; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013997:Time Factors