Improving recruitment methods for hard-to-reach populations

Improving Reproducibility of Respondent Driven Sampling through Adaptive Design

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10552018

This study is looking at a way to better recruit people for research by using their social networks, especially for those who might feel uncomfortable participating due to stigma or other reasons, and it aims to make this process smoother and more effective for everyone involved.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10552018 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing a recruitment method called respondent driven sampling (RDS), which is designed for populations that are difficult to reach due to stigma or illicit behaviors. The approach leverages existing social networks, allowing participants to recruit others from their circles, which can lead to more effective data collection. However, the study also addresses challenges related to participant cooperation, which is crucial for the success of the recruitment process. By improving the understanding of these dynamics, the research aims to make RDS more reliable and efficient.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from stigmatized or hard-to-reach populations, such as those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of hard-to-reach populations or who do not engage in stigmatized behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective recruitment strategies for studies involving hard-to-reach populations, ultimately improving health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that respondent driven sampling can be effective in similar contexts, but this study aims to refine and improve the methodology.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.