What are the most common challenges in surveying vulnerable populations?

1 Challenge 1: Access and sampling

One of the first challenges in surveying vulnerable populations is finding and reaching them. Many vulnerable groups are hard to locate, contact, or recruit, due to factors such as mobility, stigma, distrust, or fear. This can result in low response rates, non-response bias, or incomplete data. To address this challenge, you need to use appropriate sampling methods, such as snowball sampling, quota sampling, or cluster sampling, that can capture the diversity and characteristics of your target population. You also need to establish rapport and trust with potential respondents, by using credible intermediaries, offering incentives, or explaining the purpose and benefits of your survey.

2 Challenge 2: Consent and confidentiality

Another challenge in surveying vulnerable populations is obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality. Vulnerable groups may have limited literacy, language, or cognitive skills, or may face coercion, intimidation, or exploitation from others. This can affect their ability to understand and agree to participate in your survey, or to withdraw at any time. To address this challenge, you need to use clear and simple language, visual aids, or verbal consent, to explain the nature, risks, and benefits of your survey. You also need to protect the identity and privacy of your respondents, by using anonymous or encrypted data collection methods, or by obtaining permission to use any personal or sensitive information.

3 Challenge 3: Safety and security

A third challenge in surveying vulnerable populations is ensuring their safety and security, as well as your own. Vulnerable groups may face physical, emotional, or social harm, or may expose themselves to legal or political risks, by participating in your survey. You may also encounter hostile or dangerous situations, or face ethical dilemmas, while conducting your survey. To address this challenge, you need to follow the principles of do no harm, beneficence, and justice, and adhere to the relevant codes of conduct and ethical standards of your field. You also need to assess and mitigate any potential risks, by using safe and accessible locations, trained and sensitive staff, or referral and support services, for your survey.

4 Challenge 4: Questionnaire design

A fourth challenge in surveying vulnerable populations is designing a questionnaire that is relevant, appropriate, and respectful. Vulnerable groups may have different needs, preferences, or expectations, or may be sensitive or reluctant to answer certain questions, especially if they involve trauma, discrimination, or stigma. This can affect the validity, reliability, and comparability of your data. To address this challenge, you need to use culturally and contextually sensitive language, terminology, and formats, that suit your target population. You also need to avoid leading, biased, or intrusive questions, and use open-ended, probing, or scaling questions, that allow your respondents to express themselves freely and comfortably.

5 Challenge 5: Data analysis and reporting

A fifth challenge in surveying vulnerable populations is analyzing and reporting your data in a way that is accurate, transparent, and meaningful. Vulnerable groups may have complex or diverse experiences, perspectives, or outcomes, that are not easily captured or measured by conventional data analysis methods or indicators. They may also face ethical or political implications, or have limited influence or representation, in how their data is used or communicated. To address this challenge, you need to use appropriate data analysis methods, such as qualitative, mixed, or participatory methods, that can reflect the richness and nuance of your data. You also need to report your data in a way that is honest, respectful, and empowering, by acknowledging the limitations, biases, or uncertainties of your data, and by involving or consulting your respondents or stakeholders in the dissemination or use of your data.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?