Rosenbaum J, Baume C; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 200 (abstract no. Mo.D.1859).
Academy for Educational Development (AED), Washington, DC, USA. Fax: 202-884-8713. E-mail: jrosenba@aed.org.
Issue: Social marketing and behavioral change approaches to HIV prevention have emphasized the importance of changing risk behaviors. Therefore, collecting accurate behavioral information is the foundation of any AIDS prevention activity. To date, KABP surveys, focus groups, and other research methods have been applied in an attempt to capture behavioral data. Yet all these methods depend on the respondents giving accurate and honest responses. Researchers, educators and counselors realize that reported behavior may often vary dramatically from actual behavior. Project: In other areas of health communication research, direct observation strengthens validity of behavioral data, and can assist in the critical interpretation of reported data. In AIDS research, direct observation of sexual practices is nearly impossible. To improve the accuracy of behavioral data, AED researchers are utilizing a variety of techniques in applied settings, to narrow the gap between reported and actual behavior. Results: Headway has been made in improving techniques for measuring behavior. Strengthening certain aspects of methodology improves respondent understanding and precision of responses. New methods, or new applications of existing methodologies have improved credibility of self-reported data. (see below) Lessons Learned: Elicitation surveys (qualitative surveys) allow for probing to elicit better information on attitudes and behaviors, while allowing larger samples and more representative sampling techniques. Careful selection and pretesting of essential words can improve neutrality and understanding. Attention to recall period is essential, and varies for particular behaviors. Triangulation of key behavioral data, achieved by combining methodologies, is crucial. An exchange of methods and strategies by researchers, educators and prevention professionals will help generate new ideas to improve our data collection methods in this area.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Behavior
- Communication
- Data Collection
- Focus Groups
- Research
- Risk-Taking
- Social Marketing
- Weights and Measures
- education
- methods
- organization & administration
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102217781
From Meeting Abstracts