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Biomarker validation of reports of recent sexual activity: results of a randomized controlled study in Zimbabwe.
- Source :
-
American journal of epidemiology [Am J Epidemiol] 2009 Oct 01; Vol. 170 (7), pp. 918-24. Date of Electronic Publication: 2009 Sep 09. - Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- Challenges in the accurate measurement of sexual behavior in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention research are well documented and have prompted discussion about whether valid assessments are possible. Audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) may increase the validity of self-reported behavioral data. In 2006-2007, Zimbabwean women participated in a randomized, cross-sectional study that compared self-reports of recent vaginal sex and condom use collected through ACASI or face-to-face interviewing (FTFI) with a validated objective biomarker of recent semen exposure (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels). Of 910 study participants, 196 (21.5%) tested positive for PSA, an indication of semen exposure during the previous 2 days. Of these 196 participants, 23 (11.7%) reported no sex in the previous 2 days, with no difference in reported sexual activity between interview modes (12.5% ACASI vs. 10.9% FTFI; Fisher's exact test: P = 0.72). In addition, 71 PSA-positive participants (36.2%) reported condom-protected vaginal sex only; their reports also indicated no difference between interview modes (33.7% ACASI vs. 39.1% FTFI; P = 0.26). Only 52% of PSA-positive participants reported unprotected sex during the previous 2 days. Self-report was a poor predictor of recent sexual activity and condom use in this study, regardless of interview mode, providing evidence that such data should be interpreted cautiously.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Biomarkers analysis
Condoms
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Mental Recall
Middle Aged
Predictive Value of Tests
Reproducibility of Results
Safe Sex physiology
Zimbabwe
HIV Infections prevention & control
Prostate-Specific Antigen analysis
Sexual Behavior physiology
Vagina chemistry
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1476-6256
- Volume :
- 170
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- American journal of epidemiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 19741042
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwp219