Biological validation of self-reported condom use among sex workers in Guinea

AIDS Behav. 2010 Dec;14(6):1287-93. doi: 10.1007/s10461-009-9602-6. Epub 2009 Aug 13.

Abstract

Self-reported condom use may be prone to social desirability bias. Our aim was to assess the validity of self-reported condom use in a population of female sex workers using prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a gold standard biomarker of recent unprotected vaginal intercourse. We collected data on 223 sex-workers in Conakry, Guinea in order to assess the sensitivity and specificity of self-reported condom use as well as to examine the predictors of discordance between self-report and PSA presence. PSA was detected in 38.4% of samples. Sensitivity of self-reported condom use was 14.6% and its specificity was 94.7%. Self-perceived high risk of HIV infection was the only significant independent predictor of misreported condom use. PSA could be useful to validate self-reported condom use in surveys and to allow a better understanding of factors associated with social desirability in sexual behaviour reporting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Guinea
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / analysis*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Report*
  • Semen / metabolism*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sex Work*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Unsafe Sex*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen