Maximizing respondent-driven sampling field procedures in the recruitment of sexual minorities for health research

Abstract

Objectives:Research to address the significant health burden experienced by sexual minority populations remains hampered by a lack of appropriate sampling methods to support evidence-based studies. Respondent-driven sampling offers one viable strategy to recruit these hidden populations. Because few studies systematically report their experiences using respondent-driven sampling to recruit sexual minorities, this article aligns with recent recommendations for the standardization of reporting and transparency in studies utilizing respondent-driven sampling. We (1) provide detailed descriptions about the successful execution of respondent-driven sampling in two community-based studies of sexual minority individuals, (2) outline procedures to enhance the effectiveness of respondent-driven sampling referral processes, (3) present mixed-methods results regarding the effectiveness of respondent-driven sampling in our studies, and (4) offer recommendations for other researchers when using respondent-driven sampling.Methods:We successfully recruited 655 sexual minority men and women for two studies using respondent-driven sampling.Results:Resulting metrics indicate the successful achievement of equilibrium in each study. In addition, exit interviews elucidated strategies to effectively target referrals who meet the study criteria and procedures to promote the study that will maximize referral chains and ensure attainment of equilibrium.Conclusion:Mixed-methods results suggest that respondent-driven sampling can be an effective means of recruiting a community-based sample of sexual minorities in smaller urban regions. Limitations are presented and suggestions are offered to researchers utilizing respondent-driven sampling in future studies.

Family Planning Research in African Immigrant and Refugee Women: A Scoping Review

“…Three of the five (Agbemenu et al, 2019; Dyer & Baksh, 2016; Millar et al, 2017) studies that utilized quantitative methods analyzed already existing data from medical records or birth certificates; the remaining two studies (Agbemenu et al, 2020; Banke-Thomas et al, 2019) utilized snowball/convenience sampling. Future studies of African immigrant groups could consider respondent-driven sampling, sometimes described as seeding, as a recruitment strategy that targets specific respondents without requiring participants to disclose sensitive information about their peers (Hequembourg & Panagakis, 2019). Although restrictive sampling techniques that exclude non-English speakers or readers are always a concern, none of the included studies limited participation in this way.…”

Social and structural factors associated with depression and suicidality among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Nepal

“…As for limitations in methodology, alcohol abuse was not measured with a standardized tool. Although RDS as a method has aimed to correct the flaws of its predecessor, that is, the snowball sampling method [ 38 ], it has yet to reach its full potential [ 45 ].…”

Quality of Life and Mental Health of Chinese Sexual and Gender Minority Women and Cisgender Heterosexual Women: Cross-sectional Survey and Mediation Analysis

“…This was a cross-sectional study conducted online in China. Given the relative sensitivity and invisibility of our study population under the influence of traditional Chinese culture, multiple recruitment methods were used, including (1) convenient recruitment via 4 popular nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) serving female or SGM populations in mainland China (TrueSelf, r&B bisexual community, Period Pride China, and the Wuhan LGBT Center); (2) respondent-driven recruitment, where respondents were encouraged to help recruit potential peers through their network of connections [39,40]; and (3) social platform recruitment by releasing the study poster to some popular online communities.…”