16th International AIDS Conference


Toronto, Canada - August 13 - 18, 2006

HIV/AIDS RISK RESEARCH AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE: A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE REPORTING OF SENSITIVE ISSUES AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THE BIRTH TO TWENTY STUDY, SOUTH AFRICA

Int Conf AIDS. 2006 Aug 13-18;16 Abstract No. ThAd0203

Norris S.A.1, Richter L.M.2
1 University of the Witwatersrand, Birth to Twenty Research Programme, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2 Human Sciences Research Council, Child, Youth and Family Development, Dalbridge, South Africa

BACKGROUND: the HIV sero-prevalence of women younger than 20 years of age in South Africa is 15%, with a population prevalence of about 5% in the 10-18-year-age group. Using self-reports, several studies indicate that about 50% of males and 40% of females have their sexual debut between 15 and 19 years of age. Obtaining accurate information about sensitive issues in surveys, especially from adolescents, is extremely difficult. Little has been published from developing countries regarding optimal methods for eliciting accurate information about high-risk behaviours.

METHODS: Two samples were recruited in Soweto-Johannesburg, one from the birth cohort study, Birth-to Twenty (n=160; age 13 years), the other secondary school participants (n=360; ages 13, 15 & 17 years). Through a randomised design, the study assessed which data collection modality (self completion by pencil-and-paper (PP), secret ballot (SC) , audio-computer-assisted-self-completion (ACASI), completion with an unknown interviewer, and in the case of cohort participants, completion with a known interviewer) is adolescent’s preferred choice for sensitive issues involving sexuality, substance use and illicit behaviour.

RESULTS: Interviewer-based questioning was identified to be more embarrassing than any of the other modalities (p<0.05). ACASI was rated more comfortable for answering questions than interviewer-based questioning (p<0.01), but not significantly more than either PP or SB. ACASI fostered a greater sense of privacy and confidentiality than any of the other modalities (p<0.01). Both ACASI and SB were rated as facilitating truthfulness more than PP and interviewer-based questioning (p<0.01). However, ACASI was identified by both participants and research assistants to be more technically difficult to administer than any of the other modalities (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Interviewer-based questioning is not recommended for collecting sensitive data from adolescents. Even though ACASI was appealing to these urban adolescents, intensive tutorial-based and supportive procedures need to be in place to overcome the technical difficulties associated with the technique.

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2006-08-13
ThAd0203

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