Implementation Challenges to Using Respondent-Driven Sampling Methodology for HIV Biological and Behavioral Surveillance: Field Experiences in International Settings

摘要: Using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), we gathered data from 128 HIV surveillance studies conducted outside the United States through October 1, 2007. We examined predictors of poor study outcomes, reviewed operational, design and analytical challenges associated with conducting RDS in international settings offer recommendations to improve surveillance. explored factors for outcomes using differences mean sample size ratios (recruited/calculated size) as outcome variable. Ninety-two percent reported both calculated recruited sizes. Studies injecting drug users had a higher ratio compared other risk groups. Study included appropriately defining eligibility criteria, structuring social network questions, selecting effects statistical analysis. As is increasingly used surveillance, it important learn past practical, theoretical maximize utility this method.