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Methodological considerations in using the Network Scale Up (NSU) for the estimation of risky behaviors of particular age-gender groups: An example in the case of intentional abortion.
- Source :
- PLoS ONE; 6/11/2019, Vol. 14 Issue 6, p1-11, 11p
- Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Background: Network Scale Up (NSU) is a promising tool for size estimation of sensitive issues. In this study we investigated the important methodological considerations to employ this method for estimating behaviors, such as abortion, which happens in a particular age-gender group. Methods: We recruited 1250 males and 1250 females aged 18 to 50. Abortion rate was calculated through direct question and NSU methodology. The NSU was applied on three sub-samples (male, female and aggregate). Integrating replies to 25 reference groups, we estimated the network size (C) of respondents and its age-gender structure. To calculate the part of network that is subject to abortion, we compared two approaches: proportional and data based. The Visibility Factor (VF) was calculated through 222 females who had abortion. Direct estimate was considered as gold standard. Results: Using C’s derived from proportional method, the Relative Bias (RB) in the male and female samples was 33% and 84%. Applying the data-based C’s, the RB in the gender-specific and aggregate samples was 5% and 2%. Conclusion: The proportional method overestimates the prevalence. The data-based method to calculate the C is superior. The determination of the age-sex distribution of the network and the specific VF is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- RISK-taking behavior
ABORTION
SECOND trimester of pregnancy
UNWANTED pregnancy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19326203
- Volume :
- 14
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- PLoS ONE
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 136900639
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217481