Planning is an iterative process that ensures that changes to one aspect are accounted for in other aspects of the survey, including objectives, sample size and field logistics, and ensures that any revisions result in a plan that still fits within the budget. Planning and designing a micronutrient survey needs to take into consideration that the initial plan is likely to evolve depending on such factors as stakeholder priorities, sample size, budget, estimated costs, laboratory assays and field logistics. The following sections provide brief descriptions of points to consider when planning.
Box 1.1 presents a list of decisions to make when planning a micronutrient survey. The ”Initial Planning Checklist” online tool contains additional helpful information.
Box 1.1 Decisions to make when planning a survey
Decisions concerning survey objectives:
The rationale for the survey, informed by the Steering committee and Technical committee
The population groups to include for micronutrient and nutritional status assessment
Which micronutrients are critical to assess and are of programmatic interest
Whether to include anthropometric measurements to assess nutritional status
The existence of relevant national nutrition programmes that may be monitored, such as fortified food product coverage or quality
Decisions concerning survey protocol, budget, and timeline:
The desired precision of estimates for the main survey indicators within each stratum
Sample size calculations and sampling frame
The method of collection data (paper-based or electronic)
Biomarkers* and clinical indicators to assess micronutrient status, and methods for their analysis
Supplies and equipment required to conduct the training, fieldwork, and laboratory analyses
Logistics for implementing fieldwork and for transporting and storing samples and specimens
Development of the survey tool modules, including questions on programme/process, output, and outcome indicators
The protocol for managing data
Plans for the fieldwork training and pilot testing
Compensation for participants, if applicable (money, food products, or other)
The ethical approval process
Report writing
Dissemination to ensure use of the data
*In this context, a biomarker is a biologic indicator of micronutrient or related health status.