Interviewer gender and self-reported sexual behavior and mental health among male military personnel

Abstract

To determine whether self-reported sexual behavior and mental health varied by interviewer gender in a population of male military personnel. Eight male and six female data collectors verbally administered structured interviews to 474 male Dominican military personnel stationed at border crossing zones in the Dominican Republic. Measurements included sexual behaviors and mental health. Respondents were less likely to report oral and vaginal sex to male interviewers, and were more likely to report sexual coercion and alcohol abuse to male interviewers. Respondents were more likely to report depression and post-traumatic stress disorder to female interviewers. Interviewer gender influenced the prevalence of sexual behaviors and mental health, which carries implications for future research in military personnel.