Web-based peer-driven chain referrals for smoking cessation.
BACKGROUND
We are testing web-based respondent-driven sampling (RDS) chain referrals to recruit smokers to the Decide2Quit.org (D2Q) web-assisted tobacco intervention.


METHODS
Using an online survey of smokers, we assessed the potential of recruiting 1200 smokers in 9 months using RDS chain referrals. RDS is a complex sample design, and many factors can influence its success. We conducted simulations to determine the design of optimal RDS chains.


RESULTS
Smokers (n=48) were mostly female (72%) and between ages 30-60 (82%). Estimation of smokers in their network: 1-5 (40%), 6-10 (24%), and 10-20 (22%), with mean number of intimate family (2.2, SD=2.1) and close friend smokers (3.7, SD=3.8). Most smokers (82%) were willing to refer to D2Q and thought their friends (mean=5.0, SD=4.4, range=0-20) would be open to referral. Simulations suggested that with a quota of 3 and 10 seeds, 99.9% of the sample would be achieved in 107 days if the acceptance probability was 0.5. Acceptance probability of 25% would necessitate an increased quota.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that it is possible to recruit smokers using RDS.
VA eHealth Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, Bedford VAMC, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA.
Rajani S
RS
Sadasivam
Sarah L
SL
Cutrona
Erik
E
Volz
Sowmya R
SR
Rao
Thomas K
TK
Houston
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D061108:Social Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D060756:Social Networking; D016896:Treatment Outcome