AIDS survey methodology with black Americans

Abstract

Unique substantive and methodological issues are involved in conducting survey research on sexual and HIV risk related behaviors among Americans of African descent. Problem conceptualization, sampling, design of instruments, mode of data collection, interviewer/respondent characteristics, community resistance, and data analysis and interpretation are discussed. The lack of survey research on sensitive health issues is noted. Possible methods for addressing these issues are drawn from the experiences of the authors in conducting national research on the general and at risk Black community populations. It is concluded that attention to these issues can substantially improve the quality of research on AIDS related behaviors in Black communities. Finally, it is suggested that behavioral theories and sophisticated methodological and analytic approaches, sensitive to the special cultural dimensions of racial/ethnic life in the United States, would contribute substantially to the scientific armamentarium needed to successfully meet the challenge of the AIDS epidemic.