An evaluation of a self-generated identification code

Res Nurs Health. 2000 Apr;23(2):167-74. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1098-240x(200004)23:2<167::aid-nur9>3.0.co;2-k.

Abstract

We describe a self-generated coding form used in a study of HIV prevention practices of college students and provide information on the success rate of matching questionnaires over a 3-year period using the form. The data for this study were from a longitudinal study of HIV risk-reduction practices of college students. In order to match questionnaires over the 3-year study period while maintaining anonymity, participants were asked to complete a self-generated identification form at each data collection point. In the second year of the project, we were able to successfully match 74.3% of the questionnaires to those returned during the first year using 6 to 8 of the code elements on the form, and in the third year, we were able to match 73% of questionnaires to those returned in the second year. Participants for whom questionnaires matched were more likely than participants with unmatched questionnaires to be white students enrolled as underclassmen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abstracting and Indexing / standards*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bias
  • Confidentiality
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards*
  • Universities