title: A methodological comparison of survey techniques in obtaining self-reports of condom-related behaviors.
abstract: To obtain more accurate accounts of sexual attitudes and practices, researchers must explore innovative ways to overcome the reluctance of individuals to disclose sensitive and perhaps incriminating information about themselves. The differences among selected modes of inquiry and survey techniques used to gather self-reports about sensitive contraceptive behaviors among young adults were examined in this study. Comparisons were made between the randomized response versus the direct-inquiry survey techniques and personal interview versus self-administered modes of inquiry relative to the reporting of sensitive condom-related sexual practices of 352 students at a large northeastern university. Findings indicated that the "controlled-choice" randomized-response technique was less effective in obtaining self-reports about condom-related practices than were direct-inquiry techniques. Recommendations for investigations are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, Kinesiology, Recreation/Dance, College of Education, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Suen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014342:Truth Disclosure