Table 1 Practicalities of the study and theoretical fit with RDS
From: Lessons learned from respondent-driven sampling recruitment in Nairobi: experiences from the field
Population | Topic | Issue | Solution | Fit with RDS | Helped success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSM and FSW | Study site | Need for confidential comfortable acceptable study site within budgetary constraints | “Hide” study site in plain view at a public space that because of extensive foot traffic and nature of environment made KP invisible | One study office reduces potential for duplicate enrollment that is a potential issue with multiple study sites | Contributed to willingness of KP to participate thus obtaining sample size |
MSM | High socio-economic status (SES) MSM | Concerted efforts made but it was difficult to recruit high SES MSM and FSW | Conduct rigorous formative assessment to understand the context of high SES MSM Determine disincentives to study participation and mitigate the risk associated with disclosure of sexual orientation/practice among high SES MSM Potentially set up study site in acceptable high end area to serve high SES individuals | Ensures high SES subgroups are recruited | Ensures participation of diverse population sub groups |
Recruitment monitoring | Weekly monitoring of respondent characteristics | Use of NetDraw helped illustrate recruitment patterns | Ensures recruitment flaws are addressed | Helped identify recruitment gaps | |
IDU | Study site | Accessibility | Provide transport from pick up points in specific neighborhoods | Reduced need for multiple study sites | Increased participation |
Recruitment monitoring | Weekly monitoring of respondent characteristics | Use of NetDraw helped illustrate recruitment patterns | Ensures recruitment gaps are filled | Helped identify flaws recruitment gaps | |
FSW | Coupons | Too rapid sample accrual overwhelming site capacity | Reduce number of coupons to one per recruiter | Ensures balance to RDS recruitment chains | Better penetration of study population |
High SES FSW and those working in brothels | We made efforts but failed to recruit high SES FSW and those working in brothels | Conduct more rigorous formative assessment to understand the context of high SES FSW and those working in brothels | Ensures high SES subgroups are recruited | Ensures participation of more hidden population groups | |
Addressing unique needs of participants | Being sensitive and understanding the needs of participants | Provision of milk to children who accompanied their mothers and helping out with caring for children | Potentially ensured participation of women who had children | Increased participation | |
Recruitment monitoring | Weekly monitoring of respondent characteristics | Use of NetDraw helped illustrate recruitment patterns | Ensures recruitment gaps are filled | Ensures coupon issuance was controlled and recruitment gaps are filled |