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Aims:Privileged access interviewing (PAI) has traditionally been used to reach illicit drug users and other ‘hidden’ populations. How PAI data compare to other self-reported data have seldom been discussed. We compare data from patients in opioid substitution treatment (OST), gathered through PAI and researcher interviews, respectively, to investigate whether PAIs and researchers are reaching comparable populations, and whether differences in answers are due to the sensitive nature of the questions. Methods:Structured interviews were conducted with 368 patients from nine OST clinics in three Swedish cities. 237 interviews were carried out by researchers, and 131 by nine PAIs (OST patients). Data were analyzed with χ2test, Fisher’s exact test,t-test and logistic regression analysis. Results:PAIs and researchers recruited comparable populations, with few differences in terms of individual, treatment and social factors. However, self-reported behaviors revealed several significant differences. Alcohol consumption and drinking to intoxication was more commonly reported among patients interviewed through PAI (p < 0.001 andp = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the PAI group reported selling medication (p < 0.001 last month,p < 0.001 during treatment episode) and snorting buprenorphine (p = 0.010 last month,p = 0.001 during treatment episode) more frequently. Conclusions:PAI is a useful method in studies of illicit drug use and a valuable complement to more traditional interviewing methods. Specifically as regards revelations of a sensitive or controversial nature, PAI seems to produce different results than researcher interviews, and possibly also more truthful responses. PAI may have considerable potential as a data-gathering method also when studying other, more easily accessible populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAlthough it is acknowledged that exercising self-determination in daily activities affects older people’s health and well-being, few studies have focused on the explanatory factors for self-determination in daily life.ObjectiveTo investigate explanatory factors for self-determination in the context of community-dwelling older persons.Method: This cross-sectional study combined two sets of data that included community-dwelling persons 80 years and older (n = 456). A bivariate logistic regression was performed to analyse the association of self-determination and a set of explanatory factors.ResultsThe final bivariate logistic regression model revealed five explanatory factors that were significantly associated with perceiving reduced self-determination: high education (OR = 2.83), frailty (OR = 2.70), poor self-rated health (OR = 2.54), dissatisfaction with physical health (OR = 6.50), and receiving help from public homecare service (OR = 2.46).ConclusionSeveral explanatory factors related to the ageing body and environmental aspects were associated with reduced self-determination. To help older people maintain self-determination, healthcare professionals should consider using a person-centred and capability approach to care. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]