Vulnerability and involvement in drug use and ... - Sex Work Europe

2 Method
Sampling
The sample was selected to provide participants with experience of both drug use and sex
work and to provide quotas on age and exiting experience. This was principally a study of
an unknown population, and as such was dependent on a convenience sample. Sub-
sample quotas of particular sex or ethnic groups were not sought nor predicted. In the end,
the sample did include both men and women from a variety of ethnic groups. However, as
t h e re were no re s e a rch questions on sex, gender or ethnicity, findings are not presented on
these variables.
Recruitment
A range of re c ruiting strategies was employed. The majority of participants were
re c ruited through voluntary and statutory agencies providing a service to sex workers
(n=87; 70%). One participant was re c ruited via a service for drug users. Eleven
p a rticipants were re c ruited from other statutory and voluntary services. Fifteen
p a rticipants were re c ruited via sex worker advertising space on the web and in a
contact magazine. The remaining eleven participants were introduced to the study by
chain re f e rral to participants’ associates in a ‘snowball sampling’ technique (Mars,
1982; Plant, 1975). A majority of participants (n=87; 70%) were re c ruited fro m
London. Others were re c ruited from Birm i n g h a m / Walsall and the Home Counties (n=27;
22% and n=11; 8%, re s p e c t i v e l y ) .
Prospective participants were typically approached by an agency worker and introduced to
the re s e a rc h e r. When prospective participants met the re s e a rcher face-to-face, they were
asked to read an information sheet detailing the study aims, procedures and confidentiality
conditions (see Appendix B). If an individual had difficulties reading the information sheet,
or if contact was made by telephone, this information was delivered verbally. Prospective
participants were invited to ask questions about any aspect of the study prior to consenting
to participate. All participants were asked to register their understanding and consent to
p a rticipate in the study by signing a consent form (see Appendix C). In the interests of
assuring confidentiality, participants were informed that they did not need to sign the form
using their full name.
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