Assessment of self-reported sexual behavior and condom use among female sex workers in India using a polling box approach: a preliminary report

Sex Transm Dis. 2008 May;35(5):489-94. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e3181653433.

Abstract

Background: The accuracy of behavioral data related to risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is prone to misreporting because of social desirability effects. Because computer-assisted approaches are not always feasible, a noncomputerized interview method for reducing social desirability effects is needed. The previous performance of alternative methods has been limited to aggregate data or constrained by the simplicity of dichotomous-only responses. We designed and tested a "polling box" method for case-attributable, multiple-response survey items in a low literacy population.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 812 female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh, India. For a subset of questions embedded in a face-to-face survey questionnaire, every third participant was provided graphical response cards upon which to mark their answer and place in a polling box outside the view of the interviewer. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to test for response differences to questions about socially undesirable, socially desirable, or sensitivity-neutral behaviors in the 2 interview methods.

Results: Polling box participants demonstrated higher reporting of risky sexual behaviors and lower reporting of condom use, with no conclusive response patterns among sensitivity-neutral items.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the polling box approach provides a promising technique for improving the accurate reporting of sensitive behaviors among a low-literacy population in a resource poor setting. Additional research is needed to test logistical adaptations of the polling box approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Logistic Models
  • Preventive Health Services
  • Sex Work*
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / etiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*