Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology for respondent-driven sampling studies: “STROBE-RDS” statement

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a new data collection methodology used to estimate characteristics of hard-to-reach groups, such as the HIV prevalence in drug users. Many national public health systems and international organizations rely on RDS data. However, RDS reporting quality and available reporting guidelines are inadequate. We carried out a systematic review of RDS studies and present Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology for RDS Studies (STROBE-RDS), a checklist of essential items to present in RDS publications, justified by an explanation and elaboration document. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We searched the MEDLINE (1970-2013), EMBASE (1974-2013), and Global Health (1910-2013) databases to assess the number and geographical distribution of published RDS studies. STROBE-RDS was developed based on STROBE guidelines, following Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines. RESULTS: RDS has been used in over 460 studies from 69 countries, including the USA (151 studies), China (70), and India (32). STROBE-RDS includes modifications to 12 of the 22 items on the STROBE checklist. The two key areas that required modification concerned the selection of participants and statistical analysis of the sample. CONCLUSION: STROBE-RDS seeks to enhance the transparency and utility of research using RDS. If widely adopted, STROBE-RDS should improve global infectious diseases public health decision making.

Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2015.04.002

Authors: Richard G. White, Avi J. Hakim, Matthew J. Salganik, Michael W. Spiller, Lisa G. Johnston, Ligia Kerr, Carl Kendall, Amy Drake, David Wilson, Kate Orroth, Matthias Egger, Wolfgang Hladik

Institutions: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Princeton University, Tulane University, University of California, San Francisco, Universidade Federal do Ceará, World Bank, University of Bern, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Meta-analysis and systematic reviews

Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,210

Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, National Institutes of Health, Medical Research Council, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

OpenAlex ID: W2012169998