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Abstract
Accurate estimation of HIV/AIDS prevalence and incidence among hard‑to‑reach populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), is limited by poor data on population size and sexual behavior. Respondent‑Driven Sampling (RDS) offers a promising method for accessing these concealed groups, yet practical challenges remain. Following an unsuccessful attempt to implement an anonymous web‑based RDS model, we conducted a simulation study to assess how transition probabilities, network sizes, and seed selection influence equilibrium, sample composition, observed prevalence, and reciprocity. Findings highlight the importance of pilot data to inform network parameters, careful seed selection, and a deliberate incentive structure for successful RDS implementation.