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. 2019 May 30;19(1):109.
doi: 10.1186/s12874-019-0732-x.

A protocol for a multi-site, spatially-referenced household survey in slum settings: methods for access, sampling frame construction, sampling, and field data collection

Improving Health in Slums Collaborative
Collaborators

A protocol for a multi-site, spatially-referenced household survey in slum settings: methods for access, sampling frame construction, sampling, and field data collection

Improving Health in Slums Collaborative. BMC Med Res Methodol. .

Abstract

Background: Household surveys are a key epidemiological, medical, and social research method. In poor urban environments, such as slums, censuses can often be out-of-date or fail to record transient residents, maps may be incomplete, and access to sites can be limit, all of which prohibits obtaining an accurate sampling frame. This article describes a method to conduct a survey in slum settings in the context of the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Improving Health in Slums project.

Methods: We identify four key steps: obtaining site access, generation of a sampling frame, sampling, and field data collection. Stakeholder identification and engagement is required to negotiate access. A spatially-referenced sampling frame can be generated by: remote participatory mapping from satellite imagery; local participatory mapping and ground-truthing; and identification of all residents of each structure. We propose to use a spatially-regulated sampling method to ensure spatial coverage across the site. Finally, data collection using tablet devices and open-source software can be conducted using the generated sample and maps.

Discussion: Slums are home to a growing population who face some of the highest burdens of disease yet who remain relatively understudied. Difficulties conducting surveys in these locations may explain this disparity. We propose a generalisable, scientifically valid method that is sustainable and ensures community engagement.

Keywords: GIS; Sampling; Slum; Survey.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram indicating mapping steps.© OpenStreetMap Contributors
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Data flows: (1) Validated field data are encrypted, submitted to the cloud server, and deleted from the tablet device. (2) Encrypted data are sent via SFTP to an internal storage server. (3) Data are downloaded, decrypted, for checking. (4) Processed data are re-encrypted and re-uploaded. (5) Authorised external users can download and decrypt the data. Key symbol represents encryption/decryption
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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