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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 1/2010

Open Access 01-02-2010 | Review Paper

HIV Risk Behavior Self-Report Reliability at Different Recall Periods

Authors: Lucy E. Napper, Dennis G. Fisher, Grace L. Reynolds, Mark E. Johnson

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Few studies have investigated the optimal length of recall period for self-report of sex and drug-use behaviors. This meta-analysis of 28 studies examined the test-retest reliability of three commonly used recall periods: 1, 3, and 6 months. All three recall periods demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability, with the exception of recall of needle sharing behaviors and 6-months recall of some sex behaviors. For most sex behaviors, a recall period of 3 months was found to produce the most reliable data; however, 6 months was best for recalling number of sex partners. Overall, shorter periods were found to be more reliable for recall of drug-use behaviors, though the most reliable length of recall period varied for different types of drugs. Implications of the findings and future directions for research are discussed.
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Metadata
Title
HIV Risk Behavior Self-Report Reliability at Different Recall Periods
Authors
Lucy E. Napper
Dennis G. Fisher
Grace L. Reynolds
Mark E. Johnson
Publication date
01-02-2010
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-009-9575-5

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