Methodological problems in AIDS behavioral research: Influences on measurement error and participation bias in studies of sexual behavior.

Abstract

An unprecedented number of human sexuality studies have been initiated in response to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Unfortunately, methodological developments in the field of sex research have been slow in meeting the demands of AIDS investigations focusing on the diverse populations at risk for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (e.g., adolescents, gay men, intravenous-drug users, ethnic minorities, elderly transfusees). In this article, we review and integrate current literature on measurement error and participation bias in sex research, with an emphasis on collecting sexual information in the context of AIDS. The relevance of these findings for AIDS-related sex research is discussed, and recommendations are made to guide future investigations.

Test–Retest Reliability of Self-Reported Sexual Behavior, Sexual Orientation, and Psychosexual Milestones Among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youths

“…However, researchers have questioned the ability of individuals to provide reliable self-reports and whether current measurement strategies reliably assess sexual information (Catania, Gibson, Chitwood, & Coates, 1990;Schroder, Carey, Vanable, 2003;Weinhardt, Forsyth, Carey, Jaworski, & Durant, 1998). Failure to reliably assess self-reported sexual information would have profound consequences for research on sexuality and sexual health.…”

“…Indeed, a recent review of the research conducted since 1990 identified only 15 studies that examined test-retest reliability of self-reported sexual behavior (Schroder et al, 2003), with far fewer studies conducted prior to 1990 (Catania et al, 1990). Taken together, research on the reliability of self-reported sexual behavior has been characterized as "a mixed bag" (Catania et al, 1990).…”

“…The research is also limited in the scope of sexual behaviors examined, with many studies assessing the reliability of only a few global assessments of sexual behavior (e.g., number of partners, number of times had sex) rather than the reliability of specific sexual behaviors (e.g., frequency of oral, anal, or vaginal sex; with or without condoms; sex while using substances). Catania et al (1990) also noted the lack of research on the reliability of reported sexual behaviors by specific subpopulations, including different age groups, genders, and ethnic/ racial groups. Indeed, the reliability and validity of adolescents and young adults' selfreported sexual behaviors have been questioned.…”

“…While social desirability and privacy concerns may reduce the reliability of reported sexual behaviors of all populations (see Catania et al, 1990;Schroder et al, 2003 for review), this may be particularly true among GLB individuals, given the stigma attached to same-sex sexuality. However, few studies have examined the reliability of sexual behavior among GLB individuals.…”

A Brief Decisional Balance Intervention Increases Motivation and Behavior Regarding Condom Use in High-risk Heterosexual College Men

“…Some studies report that more than one-third of college students never use a condom during sex (Cline & Engel, 1991;Douglas et al, 1997). Further studies reveal that men with several casual partners are no more likely to use a condom than when they have only one partner (Catania et al, 1992;Catania, Gibson, Chitwood, & Coates, 1990;Dolcini et al, 1993). Additionally, heterosexual men report inconsistent condom use with different partners and minimal use with casual partners (Choi, Catania, & Dolcini, 1994;Exner, Gardos, Seal, & Ehrhardt, 1999;Laumann, Gagnon, Michael, & Michaels, 1994).…”