Overcoming methodological challenges in prevalence studies in developing contexts with vulnerable children. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jordan, Lucy; Chui, Cheryl Hiu-Kwan; Larmar, Stephen; O'Leary, Patrick
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 63:Number 3(2020:May)
• Page Start: 371
• Page End: 385
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Child commercial sexual exploitation -- international social work -- methodology -- respondent-driven sampling; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872818798005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

Social work research concerns itself with vulnerable populations. Methodological challenges including accessing vulnerable populations are especially acute in developing countries where systematized data is often lacking. This article presents a pilot study using respondent-driven sampling to estimate the prevalence of children engaged in commercial sexual exploitation. The results are used to illustrate the feasibility of developing multi-sectoral collaborations to address issues among vulnerable populations. This study demonstrates that respondent-driven sampling is a strong design capable of producing prevalence estimates. Implications for international social workers in facilitating professional capacity building for effective planning, monitoring and reporting of social development projects are discussed.