Online administration and paper of self-report instruments for the evaluation of protective behaviors, a comparative study

Abstract

Research on sexual behavior has relied on self-report tools, which have been questioned for lacking precision and impartiality, since the responses become regulated by factors such as social desirability. Self-report of sexual behavior and perceived self-efficacy for correct condom use were compared when answering a questionnaire on paper and online. By quota sampling, 172 young people from nine universities participated. An instrument was used that obtains information on perceived self-efficacy for correct condom use and self-report data on the first and subsequent sexual encounters.Half of the participants (n = 86) answered the instrument on paper and the other 50% answered the online version. No statistically significant differences (p>.05) were observed in the self-report of sexual behavior when comparing the groups, however, differences were identified in perceived self-efficacy for correct condom use(p<.05, d=.461). Advantages and opportunities of using online instruments are discussed.