Progress in Improving Low-Cost Measurement of Feeding Behaviors and Diets

Abstract

Information on infant and young child feeding practices and on the diets of vulnerable population groups is needed for global and national monitoring and for evaluating the impacts of interventions. Several population-level indicators have been developed to meet this need, but research to support selection of best data collection practices has been lacking. This supplement brings together a set of recent studies that address measurement issues with the objective of advancing knowledge of best practices, with a focus on low-cost measurement methods. Topics include social desirability bias, recall bias, and the cognitive validity of specific approaches and wording for asking questions on diets. The studies in the supplement provide examples of methods and results that can improve measurement and also identify gaps and areas where additional work is required.

Keywords: bias; data accuracy; infant; nutrition surveys; validity; women.