A methodology for sampling and accessing homeless individuals in Melbourne, 1995-96

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Sampling homeless populations presents unique challenges due to their transient nature and varied living situations.
• Accurate health status and disease prevalence data are crucial for effective public health interventions for this vulnerable group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe a reproducible methodology for sampling homeless individuals in inner Melbourne.
• To facilitate the study of health status and tuberculosis prevalence within this population.

Main Methods:

• A definitional construct of homelessness was established, integrating literature and local context.
• Systematic sampling was applied to accommodation options (sampling frame of 396 beds, 284 participants enrolled).
• Convenience sampling targeted unaccommodated individuals (100 participants), with high completion rates for questionnaires and Mantoux testing (94%).

Main Results:

• The methodology successfully enrolled 384 participants (284 accommodated, 100 unaccommodated).
• High compliance was achieved for questionnaires and Mantoux testing, indicating the effectiveness of the approach.
• The study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and collaboration with service providers.

Conclusions:

• The described methodology offers a reproducible approach to sampling homeless populations, addressing known difficulties.
• While selection bias remains a potential threat, the methodology aims to mitigate it through systematic and convenience sampling strategies.
• This framework supports future research on the health of homeless individuals and the prevalence of diseases like tuberculosis.