ABSTRACT
Objectives: The need for and lack of iodine resource laboratories in Central and Eastern Europe led to an agreement between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF for developing a regional iodine reference laboratory at the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition (KAN). Objectives included conducting reliable iodine measurements, KAN capacity strengthening, operating an external quality assurance (EQA) program, and self-sustainability. An underlying aim was ensuring quality laboratory data for management and decision-making of iodine disorder elimination programs. Methods: Creation of the laboratory at KAN was undertaken through technical support, training, funding, and material resources from CDC and UNICEF. Initial activities included building a fully-functioning laboratory, developing partnerships, and creating and operating a website and EQA program. Later activities included a landscape analysis, harmonized guidelines, an inaugural workshop attended by 17 regional laboratories, and a business sustainability plan. Results: The KAN reference laboratory was established and an operational plan is being implemented that will ensure sustainability. The plan includes contracts with the Kazakh government for multiple micronutrient analyses in four surveys, and fee-based trainings and assessments for regional laboratories as provided for Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, and Moldova. Participation in at least one EQA round by 78% of regional laboratories and consistent participation from 11/18 labs indicates that KAN assistance was well received. Conclusions: An up-to-date, high-quality reference laboratory and resource center for iodine assessments, led by technical experts capable of managing reliable iodine measurements in salt and urine and coordinating an EQA service for national iodine laboratories, has been established in the region.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The Survey Toolkit, developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and hosted by the Micronutrient Initiative, provides epidemiological support and guidance through standardized tools to countries for the assessment and monitoring of population micronutrient status and interventions. An important component of micronutrient programs is periodic surveys of micronutrient status and coverage of interventions. Execution of such surveys can be improved through use of tools and materials for planning, organizing, training and educating, implementing, and reporting of results. Methods: The toolkit offers a web-based, publicly accessible compilation of over 200 qualitative and quantitative survey tools. Tools were collated from various sources such as subject-matter experts, relevant organizations, and journal articles pertinent to the assessment of micronutrient deficiencies in populations, or were specifically created for inclusion. A user-friendly interface and search function enable users to identify tools needed for their specific task. The toolkit is currently being revised and a second edition is expected to be publicly released in 2015. Results: Tools include sample size calculators; lists of equipment and supplies; budget templates; specimen collection, processing and storage procedures; training materials, data collection templates, and survey report outlines. Additionally, examples of how the tools have been used in real-world settings are included. Conclusions: The Nutrition Survey Toolkit can help improve the validity and efficiency of surveys of vitamin and mineral deficiency and related interventions.
ABSTRACT
Objective. This paper describes the methods and key findings of formative research conducted to design a school-based program for obesity prevention. Materials and methods. Formative research was based on the ecological model and the principles of social marketing. A mixed method approach was used. Qualitative (direct observation, indepth interviews, focus group discussions and photo-voice) and quantitative (closed ended surveys, checklists, anthropometry) methods were employed. Results. Formative research key findings, including barriers by levels of the ecological model, were used for designing a program including environmental strategies to discourage the consumption of energy dense foods and sugar beverages. Conclusion. Formative research was fundamental to developing a context specific obesity prevention program in schools that seeks environment modification and behavior change.
Objetivo. Describir los aspectos metodológicos y principales resultados de una investigación formativa realizada para diseñar un programa ambiental para la prevención de obesidad en escuelas. Material y métodos. La investigación formativa se basó en el modelo ecológico y los principios del mercadeo social. Se utilizó un enfoque de métodos mixtos: cualitativos (observación directa, entrevistas en profundidad, grupos de discusión y foto-voz) y cuantitativos (cuestionarios cerrados, inventarios de alimentos y bebidas, antropometría). Resultados. Los principales resultados de la investigación formativa, incluyendo las barreras identificadas en los niveles del modelo ecológico, fueron contemplados para el diseño del programa, que incluyó estrategias ambientales para desincentivar el consumo de alimentos de alta densidad energética y bebidas azucaradas. Conclusión. La investigación formativa fue fundamental para diseñar un programa de prevención de obesidad para la modificación del ambiente y cambios de comportamientos, factible y adaptado al contexto de las escuelas públicas de la Ciudad de México.