Research Article: Recruitment of hard-to-reach population subgroups via adaptations of the snowball sampling strategy

Abstract

Nurse researchers and educators often engage in outreach to narrowly defined populations. This article offers examples of how variations on the snowball sampling recruitment strategy can be applied in the creation of culturally appropriate, community-based information dissemination efforts related to recruitment to health education programs and research studies. Examples from the primary author’s program of research are provided to demonstrate how adaptations of snowball sampling can be effectively used in the recruitment of members of traditionally underserved or vulnerable populations. The adaptation of snowball sampling techniques, as described in this article, helped the authors to gain access to each of the more vulnerable population groups of interest. The use of culturally sensitive recruitment strategies is both appropriate and effective in enlisting the involvement of members of vulnerable populations. Adaptations of snowball sampling strategies should be considered when recruiting participants for education programs or subjects for research studies when recruitment of a population based sample is not essential.

Analysis of Four Recruitment Methods for Obtaining Normative Data through a Web-Based Questionnaire: A Pilot Study

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HIV-testing among female sex workers on the border between Brazil and French Guiana: the need for targeted interventions

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