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Research methods for studying injecting drug users in a rural centre
1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Drug and Alcohol Review
|October 6, 2005
Summary
This study successfully adapted urban research methods for rural injecting drug users (IDUs). Combining outreach, street intercept, and service-based surveys with peer involvement is recommended for comprehensive recruitment.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous research successfully employed targeted sampling and peer interviewers for injecting drug users (IDUs) in urban settings.
- Limited research exists on the effectiveness of these methods in rural populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the success of urban-based research methodologies for recruiting IDUs in a rural setting.
- To identify effective recruitment strategies for reaching diverse subgroups of rural IDUs.
Main Methods:
- Employed targeted sampling, including outreach, street intercept, and service-based surveys (methadone clinics, prisons).
- Utilized peer interviewers and an advisory group throughout the planning and data collection phases.
- Assessed the viability and subgroup recruitment success of various data collection methods.
Main Results:
- Recruitment via outreach, street intercept, and service-based surveys proved viable for rural IDUs.
- Different methods showed varying success in recruiting specific IDU subgroups.
- Advertising was ineffective for recruiting participants to phone-ins, focus groups, or community forums.
Conclusions:
- A combination of multiple recruitment strategies is essential to maximize the range of IDUs reached in rural areas.
- Close collaboration with peer interviewers and advisory groups is critical for successful implementation.
- Barriers such as anonymity concerns and lack of community cohesion require careful consideration in rural IDU research.