Review of Nutrition and Mortality Surveys in Humanitarian Emergencies
Author Information
Author(s): Claudine Prudhon, Paul B Spiegel
Primary Institution: United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition
Hypothesis
To identify common methodological weaknesses in nutrition and mortality surveys and provide practical recommendations for improvement.
Conclusion
Significant errors and imprecision in the methodology and reporting of nutrition and mortality surveys were identified, with improvements noted in nutrition surveys but not in mortality surveys.
Supporting Evidence
- 35.3% of nutrition surveys met quality criteria.
- 3.2% of crude mortality rate surveys met quality criteria.
- Quality of nutrition surveys improved from 1993 to 2004.
Takeaway
This study looked at surveys about nutrition and deaths in emergencies and found many mistakes in how they were done, but some improvements in nutrition surveys over time.
Methodology
Analysis of nutrition and mortality surveys conducted by NGOs and UN agencies in 17 countries from 1993 to 2004, focusing on sampling validity, precision, and quality of measurements.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification due to lack of detailed methodology in reports.
Limitations
Selection bias is a possibility, and the reports analyzed may not represent all surveys conducted.
Participant Demographics
Surveys conducted in 17 countries, including Afghanistan, Sudan, and others, involving children aged 6 to 59 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website