Date Approved

2005

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Psychology

Committee Member

Karen Saules, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

Flora Hoodin, PhD

Committee Member

Nina Nabors, PhD

Abstract

This study compared information obtained from self-administered questionnaires (SAQ) and faceto- face interview (FTFI) versions of the HIV Risk-taking Behavior Scale. This study also compared women intravenous drug users (IVDU’s) and non-IVDU’s on rates of HIV risk behaviors and the extent to which unstable housing, unemployment, single parenthood, barriers to accessing health care, and number of years of drug abuse predicted HIV risk. There were no differences in rates of risk behavior reported between SAQ and FTFI formats. IVDU’s had higher sexual risk behaviors than non-IVDU’s. Unstable housing significantly predicted risk behavior. Relative to those with more education, those with less than a high school education disclosed more through FTFI than SAQ. Results suggest that, among relatively educated samples, SAQ administration may yield equal rates of disclosure of HIV risk behavior in a more cost- and time-efficient manner.

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Psychology Commons

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