Selecting at-risk populations for sexually transmitted disease/HIV intervention studies.
OBJECTIVE
This paper describes one option to select populations for randomized, controlled trials (RCT). We used a popular opinion leader intervention in Fuzhou, China, to: (1) identify population selection criteria; (2) systematically examine the suitability of potential target populations and settings; (3) briefly evaluate risk and stability in the population; and (4) evaluate regional and organizational support among administrators and government officials.


RESULTS
After comparing migrant villagers, truck drivers, factory workers, construction workers, and market employees in five regions of China, market employees in Fuzhou were identified as the optimal target population. Markets were the optimal sites for several reasons: (1) the population demonstrated a sufficient base rate of sexually transmitted diseases; (2) the population was stable over time; (3) a sufficient number of sites of manageable sizes were available; (4) stable networks existed; (5) local gatekeepers/stakeholders supported the intervention; (6) there was organizational capacity in the local health department to mount the intervention; (7) the demographic profile was similar across potential sites; and (8) the sites were sufficiently distanced to minimize contamination.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluating intervention efficacy in an RCT requires a time-consuming and rigorous process that systematically and routinely documents selection criteria, evaluates multiple populations, sites, and organizations for their appropriateness.
Wu
Zunyou
Z
National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China. wuzy@263.net
Rotheram-Borus
Mary Jane
MJ
Detels
Roger
R
Li
Li
L
Guan
Jihui
J
Liang
Guojun
G
Yap
Lorraine
L
D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003132:Commerce; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D044382:Population Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012306:Risk; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012922:Social Change; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014171:Transients and Migrants; D014186:Transportation