RESEARCH METHODS FOR STUDYING INJECTING DRUG-USERS IN A RURAL CENTER

Targeted sampling, multiple data collection methods and peer interview ers have been used with success for studies of injecting drug users (I DUs) in main cities, This paper reports the success of a trial of thes e research methods with IDUs in a rural centre, Recruitment via outrea ch (for individual interviews and for focus groups), street intercept and service-based surveys (methadone clinic and prison based surveys) were found to be viable and to vary in their success in recruiting sub groups of IDUs, Their use in combination is recommended so that the la rgest possible range of IDUs can be recruited, The close involvement o f peer interviewers and of an advisory group in planning and implement ing these data collections was essential, Advertising was not found to be successful for recruiting to a phone-in, for focus groups nor to a community forum, Concerns about anonymity, 'paranoia' and a general l ack of a cohesive IDU community were barriers to recruitment.