Impact of Respondent Driven Sampling on Drug Users' Health Behaviors
Author Information
Author(s): Rudolph Abby E., Latkin Carl, Crawford Natalie D., Jones Kandice C., Fuller Crystal M.
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Does Respondent Driven Sampling alter the social network composition and health-seeking behaviors of illicit drug users followed prospectively?
Conclusion
The study found no significant differences in health-seeking behaviors or network composition between drug users recruited through Respondent Driven Sampling and those recruited through targeted street outreach.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants were recruited from economically disadvantaged and racially diverse communities in New York City.
- Changes in health-seeking behaviors were evaluated over a 6-month follow-up period.
- Both recruitment methods produced similar results in terms of network composition and health behaviors.
Takeaway
The way we recruit drug users for studies doesn't change their health behaviors or social networks over time.
Methodology
Participants were recruited through targeted street outreach and Respondent Driven Sampling, and their health behaviors and network composition were assessed at baseline and after 6 months.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to self-reporting and differences in participant characteristics at baseline.
Limitations
The study may be underpowered to detect small differences, and retention rates varied by recruitment method.
Participant Demographics
The sample was 66% male, 24% Hispanic, 69% black, 62% homeless, and the median age was 35.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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