Choosing a survey sample when data on the population are limited: a method using Global Positioning Systems and aerial and satellite photographs

Emerging Themes in Epidemiology

Ted Haines¹  Bernadette Stringer⁴  Athena Kolbe²  Royce Hutson³  Harry S Shannon¹ 

[1] Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, CRL-221, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4K1;Social Work and Political Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;Present address: Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA;Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada

关键词: Lebanon;    Satellite photographs;    Aerial photographs;    Global Positioning Systems;    Sampling weights;    Surveys in difficult situations;    Surveys;    Sampling methods;   

Others  :  803939
DOI  :  10.1186/1742-7622-9-5

 received in 2011-06-23, accepted in 2012-08-23,  发布年份 2012

【 摘 要 】

Background

Various methods have been proposed for sampling when data on the population are limited. However, these methods are often biased. We propose a new method to draw a population sample using Global Positioning Systems and aerial or satellite photographs.

Results

We randomly sampled Global Positioning System locations in designated areas. A circle was drawn around each location with radius representing 20 m. Buildings in the circle were identified from satellite photographs; one was randomly chosen. Interviewers selected one household from the building, and interviews were conducted with eligible household members.

Conclusions

Participants had known selection probabilities, allowing proper estimation of parameters of interest and their variances. The approach was made possible by recent technological developments and access to satellite photographs.

【 授权许可】

   
2012 Shannon et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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