Lisa Langhaug|Lorraine Sherr|Frances M. Cowan
How to improve the validity of sexual behaviour reporting: systematic review of questionnaire delivery modes in developing countries
University College London|University College London|University College London|University of Zimbabwe
systematically review comparative research developing countries effects questionnaire delivery modewe searched medline embase psychinfo isstdr conference proceedings randomized control trials quasiexperimental studies included compared two questionnaire delivery modes conducted developing country reported sexual behaviours occurred 1980a total 28 articles reporting 26 studies met inclusion criteria heterogeneity reported trial outcomes studies made inappropriate combine trial outcomes eighteen studies compared audio computerassisted survey instruments acasi derivatives personal digital assistant pda computerassisted personal interview capi another selfadministered questionnaires facetoface interviews random response technique despite wide variation geography populations sampled strong evidence computerassisted interviews lowered itemresponse rates raised rates reporting sensitive behaviours acasi also improved data entry quality wide range sexual behaviours reported including vaginal oral anal andor forced sex age sexual debut condom use first andor last sex validation selfreports using biomarkers rarethese data reaffirm questionnaire delivery modes affect selfreported sexual behaviours use acasi significantly reduce reporting bias acceptability feasibility developing country settings encourage researchers consider use conducting sexual health research triangulation selfreported data using biomarkers recommended standardizing sexual behaviour measures would allow metaanalysis