Asking questions on sexual behaviour…testing methods from the social sciences

摘要

The spread of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa could reach epidemic proportions rapidly with serious economic, social and demographic consequences. In the absence of a cure for the infection, a modification of sexual behaviour could have the greatest impact on its spread. However, lack of knowledge of sexual habits of men and women living in Africa, hampers the design of educational campaigns. This paper describes different methods of collecting data on sexual behaviour in the community. Based on a pilot study in The Gambia, it explores the usefulness of focus group discussions, individual questionnaires and sexual contact diaries.