Daily data collection of sexual and other health-related behaviors

Is daily data collection of sexual and other health-related behaviors react ive? This question was examined by exploring trends in daily reports of sex ual intercourse, condom use, drinking. smoking, and vegetable and fruit con sumption over a 2-month period. The trends were examined for evidence of fa tigue effects and socially desirable responding. The effects of data collec tion method and gender were also examined. Results from a hierarchical line ar modeling analysis showed a significant trend toward decreased reporting of drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse, bur no significant trends in fruit and vegetable consumption or condom use. These patterns are not consi stent with fatigue effects or socially desirable responding. The results ar e discussed in relation to choosing data collection methods that minimize e rror.