Estimating the Size of Hidden Groups

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Network Scale-Up (NSU) is a survey method used to estimate population sizes of hidden or hard-to-reach groups.
• Previous applications of NSU have spanned various fields, including epidemiology and sociology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the international applicability of NSU methodologies.
• To demonstrate the use of NSU for estimating the prevalence of sensitive experiences, such as sexual violence.

Main Methods:

• The study discusses the adaptation and application of NSU techniques in diverse national settings.
• Specifically highlights the use of NSU in the United States to assess the number of women experiencing rape within a year.

Main Results:

• NSU studies have been successfully implemented across different countries, showcasing methodological flexibility.
• The application in the United States provided an estimate for the annual incidence of rape among women.

Conclusions:

• The Network Scale-Up technique is a versatile tool applicable globally for social science research.
• NSU can be effectively employed to gather data on sensitive issues like sexual violence, contributing to public health and policy insights.