Underreporting in HIV-Related High-Risk Behaviors: Comparing the Results of Multiple Data Collection Methods in a Behavioral Survey of Prisoners in Iran

Abstract

We explored the potential of using three indirect methods including crosswise, proxy respondent method, and network scale-up (NSU) in comparison with direct questioning in collecting sensitive and socially stigmatized HIV-related risk behavior information from Iranian prisoners. Participants reported more sexual contact in prison for their friends than they did for themselves. In men, NSU provided lower estimates than direct questioning, whereas in women NSU estimates were higher. Different data collection methods provide different estimates and collectively offer a more comprehensive picture of HIV-related risk behaviors in prisons.

Keywords

HIV stigma behavioral surveys data collection methods prisoners population size estimation Iran

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