Lessons learned from respondent-driven sampling recruitment in Nairobi: experiences from the field

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is crucial for studying hard-to-reach populations, particularly those at risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
• Successful recruitment practices in low-resource settings remain underreported.
• The study implemented an integrated bio-behavioral surveillance survey in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on key populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the implementation of the first integrated bio-behavioral surveillance survey using RDS among key populations in Nairobi, Kenya.
• To assess the effectiveness of RDS recruitment strategies in diverse, hard-to-reach populations.
• To identify factors influencing recruitment success and challenges.

Main Methods:

• The survey was conducted from June 2010 to March 2011, targeting 600 participants per key population.
• Formative research was conducted to assess survey feasibility.
• Weekly monitoring reports and recruitment chain graphs were used to track progress and address recruitment gaps.

Main Results:

• RDS recruitment was successful and maintained a desirable pace for men who have sex with men and female sex workers.
• While networks were well-integrated among people who inject drugs, recruitment proceeded at a slower pace compared to the other groups.
• Monitoring data provided insights into recruitment patterns and facilitated adaptive strategies.

Conclusions:

• Close monitoring of RDS implementation and formative research are essential for adapting strategies to improve recruitment.
• Effective adaptation of recruitment strategies enhances adherence to RDS theory and assumptions.
• The study demonstrates the utility of RDS in diverse, low-resource settings for public health surveillance.