Basic Questions

Methods for Data Collection

Which nutritional conditions significantly contribute to the health and well-being of people in the nation/community and schools? e.g. availability of low-cost nutritious foods, health-supportive eating habits

Review of existing data and information;
Short questionnaire;
Focus groups, or interviews with community leaders or nutrition professionals

Which nutritional conditions are causes of concern in the community? e.g. overnutrition, undernutrition

same as above
Mortality and morbidity rates and disease burden

Which nutritional conditions are causes of concern in school-age children?

same as above

How prevalent are conditions of malnutrition?

same as above
Sample survey by blood examinations; e.g. haemoglobin, blood cholesterol

To what extent are learning or health problems in schoolchildren caused or affected by nutrition? e.g. diarrhoea, anaemia, growth retardation, eating disorders, hunger

Interviews with school nurses or teachers in charge;
School health records including morbidity data;
Interviews with parents;
Review of data available at district hospitals and local health centres

Are there data available on deaths due to malnutrition among school-age children?

Review of death statistics available at district hospitals and local health centres

Do parents and children have basic knowledge about how they can obtain and provide adequate amounts of nutritious food for themselves and their families?

Questionnaire;
Focus group;
Review of consumer surveys

What important behaviours and practices in schoolchildren and their families affect their nutrition status and food safety practices?

same as above
Observation;
Problem-solving discussions

What common attitudes, beliefs and customs of teachers, parents and children affect their nutrition status and food safety practices?

same as above

What kind of human and physical resources and capacities exist on the school and community level to provide nutrition interventions?

Observation;
Interview with school and community leaders;
Review of available data

Are nutrition interventions being implemented in the community?

Observation;
Interview with community leaders;
Review of available data

Are education, health or other relevant interventions being implemented in schools into which nutrition interventions could be integrated? e.g. helminth reduction efforts, family life education, life skills

Interview with school and community leaders;
Review of available data