Respondent-driven sampling and an unusual epidemic. (21st June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malmros, J.; Liljeros, F.; Britton, T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied probability. Volume 53:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 518
• Page End: 530
• Publication Date: 2016-06-21
• Subjects: Stochastic epidemic model, -- respondent-driven sampling, -- configuration model, -- Reed–Frost; Primary 92D30, -- Secondary 91D30; 519.2
• DOI: 10.1017/jpr.2016.17
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9002

Abstract

Abstract: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is frequently used when sampling from hidden populations. In RDS, sampled individuals pass on participation coupons to at most c of their acquaintances in the community ( c = 3 being a common choice). If these individuals choose to participate, they in turn pass coupons on to their acquaintances, and so on. The process of recruiting is shown to behave like a new Reed–Frost-type network epidemic, in which 'becoming infected' corresponds to study participation. We calculate R 0, the probability of a major 'outbreak', and the relative size of a major outbreak for c < ∞ in the limit of infinite population size and compare to the standard Reed–Frost epidemic. Our results indicate that c should often be chosen larger than in current practice.