5244.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 5:30 PM

Abstract #12497

Measurement of sensitive behaviors in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Debra J. Brody, MPH1, Geraldine McQuillan, PhD1, and Elizabeth Hintz, MS2. (1) Division of Health Examination Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics/CDC, 6525 Belcrest Rd, Room 1000, Hyattsville, MD 20782, 301/458-4116, djb4@cdc.gov, (2) Westat, Inc

The concern that respondents are reluctant to report accurately about sensitive or stigmatized questions has lead to the development and use of the audio computer-assisted self interview (A- CASI). Respondents rely on computer driven technology for the administration of questions, in complete privacy. Researchers have found increased reporting of risky health behaviors with this interviewing mode. For the first time, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is using A-CASI as part of the examination interview for respondents 12-59 years of age. Using headphones and the simple touch- screen technology, respondents answer a short battery of sensitive questions pertaining to smoking, alcohol, drug use, and sexual behavior. The questions are available to respondents in English and Spanish and require either yes/no or numeric responses. The presentation will be of particular interest to researchers who are assessing sensitive behaviors.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to describe the strengths and weaknesses of using A-CASI in a national survey

Keywords: Public Health Research, Risky Behaviors

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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA