Table 1 Steps in participant recruitment using local self-government referral sampling.

1

Identifying and selecting the Local Self-Government Institution (LSGI)

Choose an appropriate LSGI that aligns with the research goals and has a strong presence and trust within the community.

2

Making initial contacts with LSGI & forming a communication network

Establish a primary point of contact and form a communication network within the LSGI for effective collaboration.

3

Engaging the central node (President of LSGI)

Share the communication content with the LSGI President so they can communicate in the network.

4

Collaborating with intermediaries (Members of LSGI)

Distribute tasks and information through the members of the LSGI.

5

Mobilising operational groups (ASHA Workers)

Engage ASHA workers in the front-line efforts to identify and approach potential participants.

6

Receiving referrals

Gather and consolidate information on potential participants identified by the operational groups and communicate it to the researcher.

7

Checking referrals

Evaluate referrals received from the central node and decide the next step based on the presence or absence of referrals.

8

Recruiting participants

Establish contact with potential participants, assess their eligibility, and secure their informed consent for participation in the study.

9

Collecting data

Gather comprehensive and accurate data from the recruited participants through culturally sensitive and ethical methods.

10

Reflecting, refining, and iterating the process

Continuously improve the LGRS model by reflecting on the process, incorporating experiences from the previous LSGIs, and iterating the recruitment process until research reaches data saturation.