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A study on methods of estimating the population size of men who have sex with men in Southwest China

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Abstract

Objective: To ascertain practical methods of estimating the population size of men who have sex with men (MSM) by field application. Methods: Nine public places were selected, where men who have sex with men (MSM) frequented. Capture--recapture method and multiplier method were used to count the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the assigned places in 10 days. Results: The population size estimated using multiplier method counted 877. Three estimates produced by capture--recapture method were 1408 (95% CI: 1116--1908), 1207 (95% CI: 932--1712) and 949 (95% CI: 757--1272), respectively. Conclusions: Multiplier method was easy and smooth in practice and produced highly reliable results, which yet was expensive. The application of capture--recapture method cost less in both time and funds, and the three results produced could verify each other, which was fit for the estimation.

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Correspondence to Gang Zeng.

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Luan, R., Zeng, G., Zhang, D. et al. A study on methods of estimating the population size of men who have sex with men in Southwest China. Eur J Epidemiol 20, 581–585 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-005-4305-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-005-4305-4

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