Abstract
Objective
: To examine discrepancies in men's abortion reporting when queried via face-to-face
interview versus audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) in the National
Survey of Family Growth (NSFG).
Study Design
: The NSFG collects nationally representative data on family life, sexual behavior,
and reproductive health in the United States. The questionnaire is administered to
participants via face-to-face interview (FTF), with selected items also asked of the
same participant via ACASI for direct comparison. As the 2015-2017 NSFG queried individuals’
abortion history via both methods, we examined discrepant reporting among respondents.
We additionally explored sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics associated
with discrepant abortion reporting in a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results
: Of 4540 male respondents ages 15-49, 45.3% reported a pregnancy. Via FTF, 12.3%
reported an abortion, compared to 19.9% via ACASI (p < 0.01). With respect to discrepancies in the number of reported abortions, 8.5%
of respondents reported more abortions via ACASI versus FTF. Multivariable logistic
regression modeling noted independently greater odds of abortion reporting in ACASI
among non-Hispanic Black men (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.19-4.45), men living below the Federal
Poverty Level (less than 100% FPL: aOR 3.65, 95% CI 1.93-6.89; 100-400% FPL: aOR 2.04,
95% CI 1.20-3.45), and those desiring more children in the future (aOR 1.91, 95% CI
1.20-3.04).
Conclusion
: Men were more likely to disclose their abortions in ACASI compared to FTF interview.
Disproportionate, discrepant abortion reporting among low-income, minority men who
report desiring more children in the future warrants further research.
Implications
: Surveys utilizing ACASI as an adjunct to FTF interviews may more accurately capture
men's abortion experience.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 01, 2022
Accepted:
January 20,
2022
Received in revised form:
January 19,
2022
Received:
November 7,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
