Best-friend reports: A tool for measuring the prevalence of sensitive behaviors

S. Yeatman and J. Trinitapoli

American Journal of Public Health, 2011, vol. 101, issue 9, 1666-1667

Abstract: We introduce the best-friend methodology for using surveys to measure the population prevalence of sensitive behaviors. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this tool by comparing self-reports to best-friend reports of sexual behavior and abortion history among young women in Malawi (n=1493). Best-friend reports reveal higher and more believable estimates of abortion and multiple sexual partners. In contexts in which best friends commonly discuss such behaviors, best-friend reports are an inexpensive and easily implemented tool.

Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2011.300194_7

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300194

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