The Effects of Assessment Mode and Privacy Level on Self‐Reports of Risky Sexual Behaviors and Substance Use Among Young Women¹

Abstract

This study examined differences in reported behaviors by assessment mode under differing privacy levels. Females were randomized to a computer‐administered self‐interview (CASI) or self‐administered questionnaire (SAQ) assessment of sexual risk and substance use behaviors that was completed non‐anonymously or anonymously. There were few differences in reported behaviors between assessment modes and privacy levels. However, an assessment mode by privacy‐level interaction was found for 2 outcomes (unprotected oral sex, recent sexual partner). Greater disclosure occurred in the CASI‐anonymous condition than the CASI‐non‐anonymous condition. Those in the CASI condition disclosed more instances of drinking until intoxicated than did those completing the SAQ. Overall, the findings suggest that CASI and SAQ under differing privacy levels result in comparable health behavior self‐reports.

The Associations Between Forced Sex and Severe Mental Health, Substance Use, and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Asian American Women

“…A total of 720 women completed surveys using Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing (CASI). Trained research assistants provided laptop computers to each research participant and demonstrated how to use CASI, which has been shown to be effective in eliciting answers to highly sensitive questions, such as those involving substance use and HIV risk behaviors (Brown & Vanable, 2009). The survey took 45-60 min to complete, and participants received US $20 as compensation for their time.…”

Does Sexual Self-Concept Ambiguity Moderate Relations Among Perceived Peer Norms for Alcohol Use, Alcohol-Dependence Symptomatology, and HIV Risk-Taking Behavior?

“…Strengths of the study include recruitment of a large sample of self-identifi ed sexual minority women reporting a range of sexual minority identity categories. In addition, this study used a computerized assessment approach, an approach associated with increased reporting of sensitive behaviors relative to other assessment modalities (Brown and Vanable, 2009;Brown et al, 2012).…”

Computer-assisted self-interviews: A cost effectiveness analysis

“…This study administered a questionnaire battery that assessed a range of health behaviors, including sexual risk behaviors, substance use, and attitudes of relevance to health behavior change (Brown & Vanable, 2007). In total, 27 separate measures made up the assessment battery, with a total of 514 individual questions (q).…”

“…Because fmancial resources for conducting research are often scarce, this economic analysis will provide valuable data for researchers who are considering the possibility of allocating funds for CASI software and computer hardware. Using data gathered as part of a larger study on the impact of computerized assessments on the disclosure of health behaviors (Brown & Vanable, 2007), we first developed theoretical cost models with individual parameters for both SAQ and CASI. Utilizing these cost models, CASI was then compared with SAQ as a method of collecting self-report data.…”