Tracing Long- and Short-term Migrants for Participation in Demographic and Epidemiological Studies: Evidence from Senegal

Mufaro Kanyangarara, Laetitia Douillot, Gilles Pison, Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye, Valerie Delaunay, Stephane Helleringer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Migration of participants in demographic and epidemiological studies results in missing data. One approach to reduce resulting losses in statistical power and potential biases is to follow up migrants at their new residence. We describe the follow-up of migrants who were eligible for participation in a trial of a new questionnaire to measure adult mortality in Niakhar, Senegal. We conducted a short inquiry in the migrant’s last known household to obtain contact information and then attempted to contact and interview 661 migrants who resided in Dakar, Mbour, and rural areas close to Niakhar. About two-thirds of migrants were successfully enrolled in the study. Having a contact phone number and knowing the name of the head of compound at destination increased the likelihood of successful enrollment. Following up migrants in demographic studies is feasible in low- and middle-income countries, including long-term migrants who have not been contacted for extended periods of time.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)38-57
Number of pages20
JournalField Methods
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anthropology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tracing Long- and Short-term Migrants for Participation in Demographic and Epidemiological Studies: Evidence from Senegal'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this