HIV risk behavior self-report reliability at different recall periods.
Few studies have investigated the optimal length of recall period for self-report of sex and drug-use behaviors. This meta-analysis of 28 studies examined the test-retest reliability of three commonly used recall periods: 1, 3, and 6 months. All three recall periods demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability, with the exception of recall of needle sharing behaviors and 6-months recall of some sex behaviors. For most sex behaviors, a recall period of 3 months was found to produce the most reliable data; however, 6 months was best for recalling number of sex partners. Overall, shorter periods were found to be more reliable for recall of drug-use behaviors, though the most reliable length of recall period varied for different types of drugs. Implications of the findings and future directions for research are discussed.
Napper
Lucy E
LE
Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90813, USA.
Fisher
Dennis G
DG
Reynolds
Grace L
GL
Johnson
Mark E
ME
D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012309:Risk-Taking; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors