In thinking this is a very odd question to ask?

[catofdoom]

I got called by a government health agency yesterday (in USA) to take part in a questionnaire.

I usually refuse these types of surveys but then a doctor friend told me how important it is for people to do them so they can get a better idea of where healthcare is failing etc.

So I agreed to do it.
Over an hour of questions.

About our healthcare providers and coverage, all conditions, our living practices (how much do you drink, smoke, tv, vegetables etc) then this one dropped in 'have you had anal sex without a condom in the last 7 days?'

I was so surprised I said I'd rather not answer that and got all spluttery!

Spoke to doctor friend last night (over for dinner, I didn't call her especially) who was really surprised and couldn't see what 7 days would have to do with anything.

I'm not going to lose sleep over it but crikey, what a personal question!

Yes I guess that would have been a bit of a give away!

I've done the census thing on the phone twice and had someone come round twice too. Its so intrusive. Have never been asked about my sex life by them though. More just 'on a scale of one to ten, how haply were you yesterday?', 'do you have any health issues?' 'What education exam results do you have?' 'Are you working?Were you fired in the last year?' Ect...ect...

I think next time I will say no tbh as it always leaves me feeling miserable. Not to mention I'm normally a bit of an open book and am trying not to be as it attracts the wrong sort so I don't think sharing with a random stranger is a good way of working on that lol.

@Pinkbonbon the actually census one they came round the house for we couldn't refuse. If you're picked it's legally required of you to answer it apparently!

Oh hang on, she's calling back in two weeks with an "asthma questionnaire"?

Hamina!

Ah I don't remember, it was just an older gentleman that came round both times. Apparently this address is assigned to them. Ugh. Really hope he isn't due again. The phone convo is bad enough. I live alone too so its just so awks.

Please invite some friends round when she calls back for the "asthma questionnaire". You can put her on speakerphone and place bets on how long it will take her to get back to her favourite topic.

@Waytooearly the bum question was a guy. Are people that desperate to get the tiniest bit of pervy information that they'd research some much boring stuff?!

And surely nobody would give details?!

I know OP is in the US, but here in the UK, is there such a thing as a follow-up questionnaire? I mean, I know they will chase you if you don’t return the form, but has anyone been asked to answer more detailed questions?

Yeah I don't know! Maybe they have a whole "playing doctor" scenario in their heads.

In our women's dorm we had so many heavy-breathers and crude pervs ring us that Pervy Research Lady was a breath of fresh air. At least she put some effort it. She has the whole "I'm a bored academic" voice perfected.

Dropping a shocking direct question like that is a common technique of interviewers. It works sometimes because it surprises the other person into answering.

So
Boring question
Boring question
Boring question
"When was the last time you had anal sex?"
Boring question

I've seen Louis Theroux use the technique.

Maybe it was Louis Theroux! 😍

I would guess the significance of 7 days (as opposed to some longer period) is that you are likely to be able to answer more accurately for a shorter/more recent period.

The actual number of days is probably not otherwise significant, presumably they will just extrapolate from an average of multiple peoples answers to work out how many times per year the population is doing this.

Yes, Louis has a precise methodology.

Maybe it was a survey for center parcs?

I'd probably remember if it was 10 days ago too.

@KindergartenKop what is the Center Parcs bum sex thing? I keep seeing it mentioned but missed the actual thread. Is it something like if you're a Mumsnetter and at centre parcs you're meant to have anal sex?!

I want to see a Louis Theroux special report on all of this.

@catofdoom you'll have to book an overpriced break to find out.

"Hello my name is Louis Theroux and I want to ask you a few questions..."

I'd tell him everything though. I luffs him.

@catofdoom lol, I said a legit survey, taken by a perv not just a random perv

I love the idea of someone getting hired to do a legit boring survey and then going, "You know what this survey is missing?"

I was once asked if I ever watched lesbian porn during a perfectly legitimate job interview.

Lol! They could pop a random question in every one.

Maybe the next person will get "have you ever put an object up your bottom?" or "what do you say to your husband when you're talking dirty?"

My husband and I took part in an NHS survey once (we’re in England). It wasn’t over the phone though. We got a letter as we had been randomly selected. A guy came to our house and did the questionnaire and then a nurse came and did bloods and urine samples. They asked about life style ie what we ate, drank, smoked including illegal substances but did not ask about bum sex!!! Or any sex for that matter?