This article is part of a series on Methods for Health Surveys in Difficult Settings, edited by Oleg Bilukha (Centers for Disease Control), Kristof Bostoen (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), Francesco Checchi (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), Bridget Fenn (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), Oliver Morgan (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) and Anne-Marie ter Veen (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine).

Editorial

Methods for health surveys in difficult settings: charting progress, moving forward

Kristof Bostoen¹ , Oleg O Bilukha² , Bridget Fenn³ , Oliver W Morgan^3,4 , Clarence C Tam⁵ , Annemarie ter Veen¹ and Francesco Checchi¹

¹Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

²International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

³Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

⁴East of England Regional Epidemiology Unit, Health Protection Agency, UK

⁵Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK

author email corresponding author email

Emerging Themes in Epidemiology 2007, 4:13doi:10.1186/1742-7622-4-13

Published:	1 June 2007

Abstract

Health surveys are a very important component of the epidemiology toolbox, and play a critical role in gauging population health, especially in developing countries. Research on health survey methods, however, is sparse. In particular, current sampling methods are not well adapted for certain 'difficult' settings, such as emergencies, remote regions without easily available sampling frames, hidden and vulnerable population groups, urban slums and populations living under strong political pressure. This special issue of Emerging Themes in Epidemiology is entirely devoted to survey methods in such settings, and builds upon a successful conference in London highlighting problems with current approaches and possible ways forward. Greater investment in research on health survey methods is needed and will have beneficial effects for populations in need.