title: Respondent driven sampling is an effective method for engaging methamphetamine users in HIV prevention research in South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  South Africa, in the midst of the world's largest HIV epidemic, has a growing methamphetamine problem. Respondent driven sampling (RDS) is a useful tool for recruiting hard-to-reach populations in HIV prevention research, but its use with methamphetamine smokers in South Africa has not been described. This study examined the effectiveness of RDS as a method for engaging methamphetamine users in a Cape Town township into HIV behavioral research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Standard RDS procedures were used to recruit active methamphetamine smokers from a racially diverse peri-urban township in Cape Town. Effectiveness of RDS was determined by examining social network characteristics (network size, homophily, and equilibrium) of recruited participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Beginning with eight seeds, 345 methamphetamine users were enrolled over 6 months, with a coupon return rate of 67%. The sample included 197 men and 148 women who were racially diverse (73% Coloured, 27% Black African) and had a mean age of 28.8 years (SD=7.2). Social networks were adequate (mean network size >5) and mainly comprised of close social ties. Equilibrium on race was reached after 11 waves of recruitment, and after ≤3 waves for all other variables of interest. There was little to moderate preference for either in- or out-group recruiting in all subgroups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that RDS is an effective method for engaging methamphetamine users into HIV prevention research in South Africa. Additionally, RDS may be a useful strategy for seeking high-risk methamphetamine users for HIV testing and linkage to HIV care in this and other low resource settings.
authors.affiliation: Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kimani
authors.affiliation: Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Watt
authors.affiliation: Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Duke University, Sanford School of Public Policy, Box 90311, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
authors.forename: M Giovanna
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Merli
authors.affiliation: Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa.
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa.
authors.forename: Bronwyn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.affiliation: Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa.
authors.forename: Desiree
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pieterse
authors.affiliation: Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: MacFarlane
authors.affiliation: Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC 27708, USA. Electronic address: christina.meade@duke.edu.
authors.forename: Christina S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Meade
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D035841:Behavioral Research / Q000379:methods*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D055030:Drug Users; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine; D018579:Patient Selection; D012944:Social Support; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008694:Methamphetamine
keywords: Drug abuse; HIV prevention; HIV/AIDS; Methamphetamine; Respondent driven sampling (RDS); South Africa.