HIV risk behavior self-report reliability at different recall periods

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Psychometrics
• Public Health Research

Background:

• Accurate self-report of sensitive behaviors is vital for public health.
• Limited research exists on optimal recall periods for sexual and drug-use behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To meta-analyze the test-retest reliability of 1, 3, and 6-month recall periods for self-reported behaviors.
• To identify optimal recall lengths for different types of sexual and drug-use behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of 28 studies.
• Examined test-retest reliability across three recall periods (1, 3, 6 months).

Main Results:

• All recall periods showed acceptable reliability, except for needle sharing and some 6-month sex behavior recall.
• A 3-month recall was most reliable for most sex behaviors; 6 months best for number of partners.
• Shorter recall periods were generally more reliable for drug-use behaviors, varying by drug type.

Conclusions:

• Recall period significantly impacts the reliability of self-reported sexual and drug-use behaviors.
• A 3-month recall period is recommended for most sexual behaviors, while shorter periods are preferred for drug use.
• Further research is needed to refine recall period recommendations for specific behaviors and populations.