Biological, behavioural and pyschological outcome measures

This chapter discusses the general points to consider when selecting outcomes for determining sexual risk reduction. It considers the attributes, limitations, measurement, and interpretation of various biological, behavioural, psychological, and other outcome measures of sexual risk reduction. The choice of outcome measures used to assess intervention effectiveness will depend on logistical as well as scientific factors. Biological outcome measures have several advantages over behavioural and cognitive measures. Biological measures are not prone to reporting bias, and thus may provide more valid data than self-reported measures. In addition, interventions that have been shown to reduce rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancy are likely to carry more weight with policy-makers than those that have only been shown to change sexual behaviour or cognitions.