Biomedical subjects

Michele C Black

Publications and source records attributed to Michele C Black.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Sensitive topics, survey nonresponse, and considerations for interviewer training.

This paper discusses current challenges in achieving higher survey participation rates in random-digit-dial telephone surveys and proposes steps to address them through interviewer training to avoid refusals. It describes features of surveys that contribute to respondent reluctance to participate and offers a brief overview of current refusal aversion training methods to reduce nonresponse. It then identifies what challenges that unique features of random-digit-dial telephone surveys on sensitive topics might contribute to nonresponse. Recommendations are then proposed for changes in refusal aversion training, standard survey introductions, and informed consent procedures. Finally, further research is called for to identify which methods best balance the need to improve response rates with respondent safety and privacy in surveys with sensitive questions.

Domestic Violence↗

PubMed2006

The association between self-reported lifetime history of forced sexual intercourse and recent health-risk behaviors: findings from the 2003 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

PURPOSE: To expand the understanding of the association between recent health-risk behaviors and a history of forced sexual intercourse, using a nationally representative sample of female and male high school students. METHODS: Data were from the 2003 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative biennial survey of U.S. high school students. Lifetime history of forced sex, recent physical dating violence, and health-risk behaviors (substance use, diet-related behaviors, violence-related behaviors, and health promoting behaviors) were assessed. Analyses were stratified by gender and controlled for grade and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Of students surveyed, 8.9% reported ever being forced to have sex. One in eight females and one in 16 males experienced forced sex in their lifetime. For females and males, a history of forced sex was associated with experiencing physical dating violence and suicidal ideation in the 12 months preceding the survey and with substance use in the previous 30 days. Female victims were not as likely as female nonvictims to have participated in team sports during the previous 12 months. Male victims were more likely than male nonvictims to have fasted for more than 24 hours to lose weight during the previous 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: A lifetime history of forced sex is associated with recent dating violence and participation in unhealthy behaviors. Services and intervention programs for victimized youth should address health concerns that have been linked to sexual assault. Such programs would provide opportunities for early intervention with lasting implications for improved health.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Telephone survey respondents' reactions to questions regarding interpersonal violence.

Concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of asking about violence victimization in telephone interviews and whether asking such questions increases respondents' distress or risk for harm. However, no large-scale studies have evaluated the impact of asking such questions during a telephone interview. This study explored respondents' reactions to questions regarding violence in two large recently completed telephone surveys. After respondents were asked about violence, they were asked if they thought surveys should ask such questions and whether they felt upset or afraid because of the questions. In both surveys, the majority of respondents (regardless of their victimization history) were willing to answer questions about violence and were not upset or afraid because of the questions. More than 92% of respondents thought such questions should be asked. These results challenge commonly held beliefs and assumptions and provide some assurance to those concerned with the ethical collection of data on violent victimization.

Adult↗