Implications of refusal to answer in sexual violence Surveys: An analysis based on sexual orientation among Mexican adolescents

Background

Adolescents' refusal to answer questions about sexual abuse in surveys may indicate challenges in disclosure.

Objective

To assess the use of missing and refusal options in a sexual abuse survey among adolescents and examine reasons for refusal.

Participants

and Setting: A convenience sample of 7329 Mexican adolescents (aged 15–18 years) participated in an online survey between April and July 2021.

Methods

Sexual abuse was measured using the ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool adapted for Mexican Spanish. Participants were given the option of refusing to answer questions related to sexual abuse and were also given the opportunity to indicate their reasons for doing so. Refusal percentages were calculated, and motives were analyzed through semantic content analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed that 4.34 % of the adolescents left questions blank, and 4.31 % selected the refusal option. Significant differences by sexual orientation were found for both response types, with higher rates of refusals among homosexual and bisexual participants. Four categories emerged from the analysis of refusal motives: direct disclosure, indirect disclosure, discomfort when thinking about the event, and difficulties with recall.

Conclusions

Survey responses about sexual violence differ by sexual orientation. This study underscores the importance of adaptive survey methodologies to enhance data reliability in surveys on violence, protect participants' well-being and respect their need for control of over their responses.