title: Household sampling in slums in surveys.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the advantages and disadvantages of using segments compared to a complete address list, for the selection of households in a multistage cluster sampling in slums.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study was performed in four slums selected by the São Paulo Municipal Health Survey of 2008, and the two selection techniques were applied. Focal groups were performed with field researchers, including the persons making the list of addresses and the interviewers. The content of the conversations were analyzed, grouped in categories and organized in themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Use of household segments was associated with several advantages and few disadvantages. The advantages included: speed and facility in developing the sampling frame and in locating and identifying households when performing interviews, increased safety for interviewers and the population, greater access to interviewees, greater stability and coverage of the frame, and fewer errors in the identification of selected households.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The construction of a household registry by creation of segments is advantageous compared to the complete listing of addresses, when undertaken in slums. Due to its economy and ease, the technique is an option for simplifying the sampling process in areas characterized by high density and disorganized housing.
authors: Instituto de Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, Brasil. cecilia@isaude.sp.gov.br
authors: Maria Cecilia Goi Porto
authors: MC
authors: Alves
authors: Maria de Lima Salum E
authors: Mde L
authors: Morais
authors: Maria Mercedes Loureiro
authors: MM
authors: Escuder
authors: Moisés
authors: M
authors: Goldbaum
authors: Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
authors: MB
authors: Barros
authors: Chester Luiz Galvão
authors: CL
authors: Cesar
authors: Luana
authors: L
authors: Carandina
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D006306:Health Surveys / Q000379:methods*; D006798:Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population