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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Size estimation of key populations and ‘bridge populations’ based on the network scale-up method in Ukraine

Authors: Oksana Kovtun, Volodymyr Paniotto, Yulia Sakhno, Kostyantyn Dumchev

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Introduction

Correct estimation of the size of key and bridge populations is crucial for an efficient HIV/AIDS response in resource-limited settings, enabling efficient program planning and resource allocation. The hidden nature of these groups poses challenges to traditional methods, leading to the adoption of innovative approaches like the network scale-up method (NSUM). In this article we present the results of a NSUM study conducted in 2020 in Ukraine, focusing on four key populations and three bridge populations, highlighting challenges and contributions to development of the method.

Methods

From July to September 2020, we conducted a nationally representative survey in Ukraine via computer-assisted telephone interviews, and applied the known population method and summation method to estimate social networks sizes. Results were weighted based on individual sampling probability and adjusted for social respect and visibility factors to address potential limitations.

Results

Our study achieved a 20% response rate with 10,000 completed interviews. The social network size, using the known population method, was 213 people, and 125 using the summation method. Adjusting for the social respect and visibility, estimated key populations sizes were 295,857 [248,714–343,001] people who inject drugs, 152,267 [109,960–194,573] men who have sex with men, 78,385 [57,146–99,619] sex workers, and 9,963 [7,352–12,571] transgender people, detailed by age and gender. Bridge populations were estimated at 62,162 [50,445–73,879] sexual partners of people who inject drugs, 284,348 [233,113–335,583] clients of sex workers, and 13,697 [7,370–20,026] female partners of men who have sex with men.

Conclusions

NSUM proves reliable for estimating key populations size with appropriate corrections. It shows promise for further use in Ukraine, considering limited geographic coverage of the integrated bio-behavioral studies to use multiplier-based methods. However, the validity concerns persist for estimating bridge populations size, emphasizing the need for further method refinement and addressing implementation issues, particularly those related to data collection.

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Title: Size estimation of key populations and ‘bridge populations’ based on the network scale-up method in Ukraine
Authors: Oksana Kovtun
Volodymyr Paniotto
Yulia Sakhno
Kostyantyn Dumchev
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18501-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Size estimation of key populations and ‘bridge populations’ based on the network scale-up method in Ukraine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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