Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #102925

Su-I. Hou, DrPH, RN, CHES, Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, 300 River Road, 309 Ramsey Center, Athens, GA 30602, 706-542-8206, shou@uga.edu

Background: Recent evidence suggests that it is now feasible to collect health information from the Internet. However, few studies have examined whether alternative modes of data collection are comparable when measuring sensitive behaviors. Methods: HIV-related behaviors, self-reported using paper-pencil or web-delivered modes, were collected among two convenience samples of college students from one major university in Southeastern U.S. Results: A total of 358 heterosexual students participated in the web-delivered survey and 215 participated in the paper-pencil survey. The web sample consisted of older (21.2 vs. 20.7 years), more females (75% vs. 61%), and more non-whites (16% vs. 8%) students. Perceived numbers of close friends (peer norms) who engaged in oral or vaginal sex were lower among the web sample. After taking into consideration of these differences, multiple regression analyses showed similar self-reporting patterns on HIV testing related behaviors and intention, as well as various sexual behaviors (oral, vaginal, and anal), initial ages of engaging such activities, numbers of partners, alcohol use before sex, and condom use (Type I error adjusted). Findings showed that students from the web-survey were more likely to report having been diagnosed with STIs, alcohol use and condom use during anal sex. In addition, age and peer norms were consistently shown as significant positive predictors for the various sexual activities. Conclusions: The study reveals comparable self-reporting patterns, using web-mode or paper-pencil mode, on HIV-related behaviors among heterosexual college students. Findings from this study also suggest that age and peer norms warrant further attentions when examine HIV-related behaviors.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the comparability of using alternative modes to measure self-reported HIV-related behaviors.
• List two factors that warrant considerations when examining HIV-related behaviors.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Data Collection

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.