A Comparison of Three Interviewing Approaches for Studying Sensitive Topics with Hispanics

Abstract

This study compared three interviewing approaches that varied in terms of anonymity when dealing with sensitive topics. Random samples of Hispanics were asked to report illegal substance use and types and frequencies of sexual behavior over the telephone or in a verbal or private face-to-face interview. Results show that Hispanics can easily be surveyed utilizing any of the three approaches and that these interviewing methods produce similar outcomes in terms of completion rates, the level of discomfort experienced by the interviewee, and the possible accuracy of the responses. The results did not vary in terms of the gender or acculturation level of the respondents.