A study on methods of estimating the population size of men who have sex with men in Southwest China
Luan, R.; Zeng, G.; Zhang, D.; Luo, L.; Yuan, P.; Liang, B.; Li, Y.
European Journal of Epidemiology 20(7): 581-585
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-2990 PMID: 16119430 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-005-4305-4Document Number: 254719
Objective: To ascertain practical methods of estimating the population size of men who have sex with men (MSM) by field application. Methods: Nine public places were selected, where men who have sex with men (MSM) frequented. Capture--recapture method and multiplier method were used to count the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the assigned places in 10 days. Results: The population size estimated using multiplier method counted 877. Three estimates produced by capture--recapture method were 1408 (95% CI: 1116--1908), 1207 (95% CI: 932--1712) and 949 (95% CI: 757--1272), respectively. Conclusions: Multiplier method was easy and smooth in practice and produced highly reliable results, which yet was expensive. The application of capture--recapture method cost less in both time and funds, and the three results produced could verify each other, which was fit for the estimation.
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