The Significance or sampling and Understanding Hidden Populations

Abstract

SUMMARY Discussed are issues related to the importance of sampling from hidden populations in research. These issues include the limitations of dependency on institutional samples in public health and social science. Specific examples are drawn from research into HIV/AIDS infection and risk behaviors and substance abuse. Discussed is the problem of developing knowledge that does not generalize to non-institutional populations. Possible future directions for research in hidden populations in the context of HIV/AIDS research are addressed.