Table 1.

Overview of the seven population based surveys

Survey	Years	Age	Sex	Interview method	Survey Resp. Rate (%)	Eligible sample	Partners in last year		Partners in lifetime
							N (coding)	Item Resp. Rate	N (coding)	Item Resp. Rate
BRFS	1996–2000	18+	M/F	Phone	49–63	62,884	59,927	95.3	NA
GSSa	1988–2000	18+	M/F	SAQ	70–82	10,387	9,151 (T)	99.0	8,735	97.2
NCHRBS	1995	18+	M/F	SAQ	60	4,393	NA		4,328 (T)	98.5
NHSLS	1992	18–59	M/F	FTFI and SAQ	79	2,560	2,554	99.8	2,559	100.0
NSFG	1995	15–44	F	FTFI	79	9,970	9,900	99.3	9,776	98.1
NSM	1991	19–41	M	FTFI	70	3,321	3,320	100.0	3,317	99.9
NSW	1991	19–38	F	FTFI	71	1,669	1,669	100.0	1,669	100.0

Notes: All continuous year data were topcoded at 76+ to match the BRFS. For other measures, the (T) for (coding) indicates the original response was recorded with a topcode. Eligible sample size was based on the number of participants who were asked the sexual behavior questions, were in the target age range, and were not missing their demographic information. Item response rates based on refusals and “no answers” in direct and filter questions where appropriate

^aThe GSS collected data on partners since age 18, in 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000. It is analyzed separately below. See Appendix A for details