Errors in reported degrees and respondent driven sampling: Implications for bias

摘要

BackgroundRespondent Driven Sampling (RDS) is a network or chain sampling method designed to access individuals from hard-to-reach populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID). RDS surveys are used to monitor behaviour and infection occurence over time; these estimations require adjusting to account for over-sampling of individuals with many contacts. Adjustment is done based on individuals’ reported total number of contacts, assuming these are correct.