Document 0228
 DOCN  M9590228
 TI    A comparison of data obtained by patient interview with that obtained
       from pharmacy and medical records in patients with AIDS or HIV
       infection.
 DT    9509
 AU    Law MG; Hurley SH; Carlin JB; Chondros P; Gardiner S; Kaldor JM;
       National Center in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, NSW.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:298 (unnumbered poster).
       Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291871
 AB    To assess the reliability of information reported by patients with AIDS
       or HIV infection, 123 homosexual men were recruited in Victoria,
       Australia, in 1992-1993 and interviewed to collect data retrospectively
       and prospectively on HIV related illness and treatment. These data were
       compared with information in medical and pharmacy records. There was no
       evidence of bias in the patient report of date of diagnosis of HIV
       infection or date or result of most recent CD4 count, though there was
       considerable imprecision. Past and current prescription of AZT were
       recalled accurately by patients compared with medical records (kappa =
       0.89 and 0.86 respectively), but previous HIV related illnesses and
       enrolment in clinical studies or trials were generally recalled poorly
       (kappa < 0.4 in some cases). Data collected prospectively on
       prescription of drugs and use of health care services were reasonably
       accurately reported by patients. This analysis supports the need for
       routine assessment of the validity of patient-reported exposure and
       outcome data in epidemiological studies in order to minimise the
       possible biases which can result from inaccurate information.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*EPIDEMIOLOGY  Bias (Epidemiology)
       Comparative Study  Data Collection  Homosexuality, Male/STATISTICS &
       NUMER DATA  Human  HIV Infections/*EPIDEMIOLOGY  Male  Medical History
       Taking/*STATISTICS & NUMER DATA  Medical Records/*STATISTICS & NUMER
       DATA  New South Wales/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Prospective Studies  Reproducibility
       of Results  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).