The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41523

Barbara A. Lucenko, PhD¹, Terri Jennings, MA¹, Nisha Farrell, BS¹, Jessy Dévieux, PhD¹, and Robert M. Malow, PhD². (1) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, University of Miami, 1695 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 3208 D-21, Miami, FL 33136, 305-355-9016, blucenko@med.miami.edu, (2) Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, 1695 N.W. 9th Avenue, Suite 3208 (D-21), Miami, FL 33136

There has been limited research conducted to examine the implications of using Audio-CASI (A-CASI) to gather sensitive sexual behavior data. This study assessed differences in disclosure of HIV risk behaviors between two methods of administration (n=117), vs. Face to Face self-administered interview (n=148). The sample included male and female minority adolescents court-ordered into substance abuse treatment. On average, this sample of adolescents reported that they engaged in a significant amount of risky behavior that may place them in jeopardy of contracting HIV/STDs. However, subjects who were administered an HIV/STD risk of exposure screen using A-CASI endorsed fewer items of risk behavior than those administered in face to face interviews (all p’s <.01). Specifically, those with face-to-face interviews disclosed more explicit drug (e.g. lifetime alcohol and drug use) and sex (e.g. anal and vaginal sex) items, more subtle risk (e.g. “Have any of your closest friends had sex?”), and a higher total risk score, with similar findings for both genders when analyzed separately. These findings are contrary to the findings of previous studies in which subjects assessed using A-CASI had higher rates of disclosure than those assessed via interview methods. The contexts of settings in which individuals are assessed may therefore be important for honest disclosure of HIV/STD risk behaviors. Participants in correctional facilities may be less likely to report what may be perceived as “incriminating” information without the rapport and trust conveyed in a more personal face-to-face interview. The theoretical and applied implications of these findings are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session participants will have a clear understanding of issues involved with Audio-Casi method of administration in HIV risk research and its utility among at risk adolescents involved with the criminal justice system.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Substance Abuse Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.