Sampling Issues for Natural History Studies Including Intravenous Drug Abusers

Abstract

Practical constraints often compromise scientific rigor in substance use research sampling designs. Focusing on natural history studies of AIDS among injection drug users (IDUs), the limitations of sampling frames typically adopted are reviewed. Institutional and community-based sources of recruitment are discussed. Potential sources of bias are identified for each which should be taken into consideration in the interpretation of findings. Suggestions to inform sampling decisions and improve sampling designs are offered.

Key Words:

• Injection drug use
• AIDS
• Methodology
• Sampling
• Bias