Web-Based Respondent-Driven Sampling to Assess Biobehavioral Factors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Thailand: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is the current standard for sampling key populations at risk for HIV infections but is usually limited to local implementation in single towns or cities. Web-based sampling eliminates this spatial constraint but often relies on self-selected convenience samples. We piloted a web-based RDS survey with biomarker collection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand.

A Web-Based, Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (Kai Noi): Description of Methods and Characteristics.

Background: Thailand's HIV epidemic is heavily concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM), and surveillance efforts are mostly based on case surveillance and local biobehavioral surveys.

Objective: We piloted Kai Noi, a web-based respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey among MSM.

Methods: We developed an application coded in PHP that facilitated all procedures and events typically used in an RDS office for use on the web, including e-coupon validation, eligibility screening, consent, interview, peer recruitment, e-coupon issuance, and compensation.