OBJECTIVES: To describe formal, external to programme methods for size estimation of high-risk populations and compare execution challenges and validity of results. DESIGN: A cross-sectional HIV risk behavioural and biological survey was implemented among 24, 10 and five female sex workers, high-risk men who have sex with men and injecting drug user survey groups, respectively. Size estimates were calculated using three formal methods: capture-recapture, the multiplier method and the reverse tracking method (RTM), a new method. METHODS: Estimates were compared with each other and programme data. RESULTS: In general, when appropriately executed, formal methods produced smaller estimates to programme data, although the RTM tended to be closer to programme estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Capture-recapture requires some knowledge of site location. It can be used as a community mobilization measure at the initiation of a programme. The multiplier method presumes the existence of high quality external data and requires care in selecting the appropriate multiplier. All size estimation methods require careful planning and a full understanding of population dynamics and limitations of data. Before selecting a size estimation method, one must be aware of the strengths, weaknesses and applicability of each method. Use of size estimation methods in large-scale programmes should be considered carefully with adequate importance given to planning and implementation.
OBJECTIVES: To describe formal, external to programme methods for size estimation of high-risk populations and compare execution challenges and validity of results. DESIGN: A cross-sectional HIV risk behavioural and biological survey was implemented among 24, 10 and five female sex workers, high-risk men who have sex with men and injecting drug user survey groups, respectively. Size estimates were calculated using three formal methods: capture-recapture, the multiplier method and the reverse tracking method (RTM), a new method. METHODS: Estimates were compared with each other and programme data. RESULTS: In general, when appropriately executed, formal methods produced smaller estimates to programme data, although the RTM tended to be closer to programme estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Capture-recapture requires some knowledge of site location. It can be used as a community mobilization measure at the initiation of a programme. The multiplier method presumes the existence of high quality external data and requires care in selecting the appropriate multiplier. All size estimation methods require careful planning and a full understanding of population dynamics and limitations of data. Before selecting a size estimation method, one must be aware of the strengths, weaknesses and applicability of each method. Use of size estimation methods in large-scale programmes should be considered carefully with adequate importance given to planning and implementation.
Authors: Michel Alary; A A Jayachandran; Catherine M Lowndes; Jan Bradley; Eric Demers; Rajatashuvra Adhikary; Mandar K Mainkar Journal: Sex Transm Infect Date: 2010-02 Impact factor: 3.519
Authors: Sema K Sgaier; Mariam Claeson; Charles Gilks; Banadakoppa M Ramesh; Peter D Ghys; Alkesh Wadhwani; Aparajita Ramakrishnan; Annie Tangri; Chandramouli K Journal: Sex Transm Infect Date: 2012-04-17 Impact factor: 3.519
Authors: Wei Guo; Shuilian Bao; Wen Lin; Guohui Wu; Wei Zhang; Wolfgang Hladik; Abu Abdul-Quader; Marc Bulterys; Serena Fuller; Lu Wang Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-08-13 Impact factor: 3.240