Sampling 'hard-to-reach' populations in health research: yield from a study targeting Americans living in Canada.

BMC Medical Research Methodology
Danielle A SouthernWilliam A Ghali

Abstract

Some populations targeted in survey research can be hard to reach, either because of lack of contact information, or non-existent databases to inform sampling. Here, we present a methodological "case-report" of the yield of a multi-step survey study assessing views on health care among American emigres to Canada, a hard-to-reach population. To sample this hard-to-reach population, we held a live media conference, supplemented by a nation-wide media release announcing the study. We prepared an 'op-ed' piece describing the study and how to participate. We paid for advertisements in 6 newspapers. We sent the survey information to targeted organizations. And lastly, we asked those who completed the web survey to send the information to others. We use descriptive statistics to document the method's yield. The combined media strategies led to 4 television news interviews, 10 newspaper stories, 1 editorial and 2 radio interviews. 458 unique individuals accessed the on-line survey, among whom 310 eligible subjects provided responses to the key study questions. Fifty-six percent reported that they became aware of the survey via media outlets, 26% by word of mouth, and 9% through both the media and word of mouth. Our multi-step communica...Continue Reading

References

Aug 1, 1985·Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·J S BreckenridgeL W Thompson
Nov 14, 1997·Journal of Advanced Nursing·J Faugier, M Sargeant
Mar 28, 2006·Medical Care·Hude QuanWilliam A Ghali

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Citations

May 19, 2016·Journal of Homosexuality·Holning LauKelley Loper
Dec 14, 2016·Qualitative Health Research·Deborah Anne MooreAnne-Marie Glenny
Apr 8, 2015·Western Journal of Nursing Research·Lisa Hopp, Leslie Rittenmeyer

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