Objective: Compared to interviewer-administered questionnaires (IAQ), ACASI has been associated with higher reporting of sensitive behaviors. We determined whether repeated interviewing using ACASI leads to dampened responses for HIV-associated risk behaviors.
Methods: Beginning in 1988, injection drug users enrolled in a prospective cohort study and completed semi-annual HIV tests and IAQ on HIV risk behaviors through 08/98. At their next follow-up visit, subjects underwent the same survey using ACASI. At the subsequent follow-up visit, subjects were randomized to either ACASI or IAQ. Using linear growth curve models, responses to sensitive questions were compared for groups receiving IAQ-ACASI-ACASI versus IAQ-ACASI-IAQ.
Results: A total of 615 subjects underwent randomization to IAQ or a second ACASI visit. The majority were male (69%) and African American (95%). Median age was 42. There were no demographic differences between subjects randomized to ACASI versus IAQ (p>0.05). Linear growth curve analysis revealed that slopes for changes in responses did not significantly differ for ACASI-ACASI versus ACASI-IAQ in men or women, controlling for HIV status, for condom use and needle sharing. For sexual intercourse, slopes of changes in response were the same for women (p>0.05). For reports of sexual intercourse among men, slopes of changes in response were significantly different for ACASI-IAQ (p=0.001), but not for ACASI-ACASI, suggesting that the latter estimate was more robust.
Conclusions: These preliminary analyses provide no evidence that repeated interviewing using ACASI leads to dampened responses of sensitive behaviors. These findings support the use of ACASI in longitudinal studies of stigmatized behaviors.
Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the application of linear growth models for testing slopes of chage relative to behaviors. 2. To identify advantages associated with use of ACASI versus interview-administered questionnarires to collet data on sensitive behaviors
Keywords: Drug Abuse, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.