ABSTRACT
Objectives: An important component of public health nutrition programs is the periodic assessment of vitamin and mineral nutritional status and coverage of micronutrient interventions. Performing high quality cross-sectional surveys can be enhanced by the availability of guidance on steps in survey methods, sample size, sampling methods, data collection, analysis and interpretation, dissemination of results, and appropriate feedback to improve intervention programs. A manual to assist implementers is described. Methods: A previously published manual, "Indicators and Methods for Cross-Sectional Surveys of Vitamin and Mineral Status of Populations", by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Micronutrient Initiative (MI) served as the basis for this newer manual. New technical partners, WHO and UNICEF, have collaborated in the development of this up-to-date "Micronutrient Survey Manual". Results: In addition to updated resources for the assessment of anemia and iodine, iron, and vitamin A deficiencies, the manual has added information on folate and zinc deficiencies. Program indicators for assessing fortification of staple foods, point-of-use fortification with micronutrient powders, micronutrient supplementation, and dietary counselling are included. The manual contains detailed information on biologic sample collection and processing, sample size calculations, and analysis of survey data. Quality assurance throughout the survey process is emphasized. The issues of ethics, confidentiality, and informed consent are addressed. Conclusions: The "Micronutrient Survey Manual" can assist survey managers to improve the validity, efficiency, and standardization of cross-sectional surveys to better serve public health practice.
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.