Attitudes toward Interview Mode and Comparability of Reporting Sexual Behavior by Personal Interview and Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing

Abstract

Respondents' attitudes toward audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (audio-CASI) relative to personal interviewing and comparability of reporting of the number of sex partners in the past year were assessed using the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used. Few women indicated that the personal interview, relative to audio-CASI, provided more honest answers or greater comfort. However, minority group members, especially Hispanics, were more likely to prefer personal interviews. Most women (83.4 percent) provided consistent reports of number of sex partners on the two modes, 12.6 percent reported more sex partners with audio-CASI, and 4.0 percent reported more partners in the personal interview. Hispanic women and women of “other” race/ethnicity were significantly more likely to have decreased reporting of sex partners with audio-CASI. Further methodologic research is needed on mode effects among minority populations. Reporting errors associated with the data collection technology could obscure important findings.