Incorporating the Service Multiplier Method in Respondent-Driven Sampling Surveys to Estimate the Size of Hidden and Hard-to-Reach Populations

Abstract

Our estimates for almost all groups in each country fall within the range of other regional and national estimates, indicating that the service multiplier method, assuming all assumptions are met, can produce informative estimates. We suggest using multiple multipliers whenever possible, garnering program data from the widest possible range of services, projects, and studies. A median of several estimates is likely more robust to potential biases than a single estimate.