Low numeracy predicts reduced accuracy of retrospective reports of frequency of sexual behavior.

AIDS and Behavior
Timothy L McAuliffeBarbara R Reed

Abstract

Assessment of the frequency of sexual behavior relies on participants' ability to arithmetically aggregate information over time and across partners. This study examines the effect of numeracy (arithmetic skills) on the accuracy of retrospective reports of sexual behavior. For 91 days, the participants completed daily reports about their sexual activity. Participants then completed a survey on sexual behavior over the same period. The discrepancies between the survey-based and the diary-based measures of frequency of vaginal and anal intercourse were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis showed that the discrepancy between retrospective and diary measurements of sexual intercourse increased with lower numeracy (P = 0.026), lower education (P = 0.001), aggregate question format compared to partner-by-partner format (P = 0.031) and higher frequency of intercourse occasions (P < 0.001). Lower numeracy led to a 1.5-fold increase (adjusted mean = 14.1-20.9) in the discrepancy for those using the aggregate question format and a 2.0-fold increase (adjusted mean = 3.7-7.6) for those using the partner-by-partner format.

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Citations

Oct 3, 2013·International Journal of Behavioral Medicine·Seth C KalichmanLisa Eaton
May 10, 2016·AIDS Patient Care and STDs·Seth C KalichmanTamar Grebler
Feb 7, 2018·Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes : JAIDS·Seth C KalichmanRaymond F Schinazi
Oct 14, 2018·AIDS and Behavior·Qian AnUNKNOWN NHBS Study Group
Jul 17, 2021·Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes : JAIDS·Seth C KalichmanLisa A Eaton

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