Not reporting the number of children with oedema in the survey report.
Explanation: As mentioned above, malnourished children with oedema have a much worse prognosis than malnourished children without oedema. The report of a nutri- tion survey should always include the number of children with wasting who have oedema. This is especially important in an emergency situation or where the preva- lence of protein-energy malnutrition is relatively high since this information will tell the reader what type of wasting is predominant (marasmus vs. kwashiorkor).
Solution: Be sure to include in the survey report the number, as well as the proportion, of children who had oedema.
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15. DISSEMINATE FINDINGS IN PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS The final part of a nutrition survey is pre- senting the findings in oral presentations and in a final report. Often, distribution of a preliminary report of the key findings is recommended as soon as data analysis has been completed because a final report may take a long time to complete. The results of the survey should be presented in a stan- dardized format so as to enable easy com- parisons between the results of different surveys. One suggested format is shown in the outline below and can be used for both oral presentations and written reports: Executive summary
This section of the report should be short (one or two pages), and should include a clearly presented summary of all important information in the report. Be aware that 90 percent of readers probably will look at this section only. Write the summary last, after you have finished the rest of the report, and include the following information: the geo- graphic area covered, the date and the objectives of the survey, the methodology used, the main results and recommenda- tions. One way to quickly and clearly pre- sent the major results is to create a table.
Report introduction
The context in which the survey was car- ried out should be described. What popu- lation was surveyed, at which period and in which geographical area? The introduc- tion should be scene-setting, so that someone who has never been to the area can understand how the surveyed commu- nity lives, what has happened to them and why this survey was done.
Objectives of the survey
The objectives of the survey should be stated clearly.
Methodology
A straightforward description of the methods employed, including sampling techniques, is necessary so that readers can judge the validity of the survey's results and have a clear reference for futu- re comparison. Include selection criteria for inclusion in the survey sample and clear definitions of all the health and nutri- tion outcomes measured in the survey. Describe what measurements were taken, by whom and using what instruments. Details on the training of the survey mem- bers should be included, noting whether standardization exercises and a trial/pilot
survey were conducted. Describe how the questionnaires were designed and pilo- ted. Standard definitions of indicators used and cutoff values used to define malnutrition also should be included. The methods should be in such detail as to enable someone to replicate your sur- vey in the future using only the final report as a guide.
Results
This section is mainly graphs and tables illustrating the results of analysis. The results often include:
1) A description of the response rate, including the number of subjects or households chosen for the sample, the number from whom data were collec- ted and the reasons for non-response; 2) A description of the survey subjects
from whom data were collected; 3) The overall prevalences of the major
outcomes;
4) Comparison of subgroups within the survey sample, such as comparison of males and females or different geogra- phic locations, if the sample size per- mits such comparison with any stati- stical power; and
5) A description of potential causal fac- tors investigated in the survey. Limitations
This section should discuss the limita- tions that were faced, such as those encountered during team selection and training, survey design, sampling and analysis. Examples of this could include an incomplete or outdated sampling frame, unexpected population movement, security or staff constraints or other fac- tors affecting access to the sample popu- lation.
Discussion
The discussion puts the results back into context. The aim of the discussion is to
explain the results seen (for example, prevalence of malnutrition and mortality rates) in terms of the causes of malnutri- tion - health, care environment, and food security. Organize your discussion by addressing the following questions (not an exhaustive list):
1) Is the level of malnutrition typical (referring back to previous surveys/baseline levels)?
2) Is the level of mortality typical? 3) What are the major acute causes of
malnutrition and mortality (taking into account causes already addressed by other interventions)?
4) What are the prospects for the coming months?
5) Who is worst affected?
6) What are the chronic causes of mal- nutrition?
7) What does the community recom- mend?
Much of the information for the discus- sion will come from referring back to the results section and considering the major findings in light of other information gathered from prior surveys, other types of assessments, observation, discussions with community leaders and survey wor- kers, etc.
Conclusions and recommendations This section should restate the major conclusions and make specific, opera- tional recommendations for what is needed most urgently in the surveyed population.
Reports should be written and submitted in a timely fashion to prevent any delay in the intervention. Reports for emergen- cy nutrition surveys should be available within one month after the survey data collection has been completed. Baseline survey reports may not be needed so rapidly.
REFERENCES