An evaluation of a self-generated identification code.
We describe a self-generated coding form used in a study of HIV prevention practices of college students and provide information on the success rate of matching questionnaires over a 3-year period using the form. The data for this study were from a longitudinal study of HIV risk-reduction practices of college students. In order to match questionnaires over the 3-year study period while maintaining anonymity, participants were asked to complete a self-generated identification form at each data collection point. In the second year of the project, we were able to successfully match 74.3% of the questionnaires to those returned during the first year using 6 to 8 of the code elements on the form, and in the third year, we were able to match 73% of questionnaires to those returned in the second year. Participants for whom questionnaires matched were more likely than participants with unmatched questionnaires to be white students enrolled as underclassmen.
DiIorio
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Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Soet
J E
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Van Marter
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D
Woodring
T M
TM
Dudley
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D000043:Abstracting and Indexing / Q000592:standards*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015982:Bias; D003219:Confidentiality; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D014495:Universities