Module 11. Data collection tools, field manual, and database
Developing and testing the main survey questionnaire
Informed consent and assent
Age determination technique and tools
Field manual
Introduction
Data collection materials include the main survey questionnaire and other forms (or tools), such as the specimen collection control form, cluster control form, and anthropometry data form. These tools can be paper-based or electronic, or some of each. For example, where the main survey questionnaire is in electronic format, some of the control forms may be paper-based. See Module 4: Survey design for a more detailed comparison of the use of electronic- or paper-based data collection for the main survey questionnaire.
The Survey coordinator and the relevant technical subcommittee need to spend considerable time developing the questionnaire and related survey tools to ensure that they function as intended so that all collected data can be correctly processed and linked with parallel information, such as food samples or biological specimens. The data collection tools should be as concise as possible while ensuring that they measure indicators that meet the survey objectives. This may be a challenge in a situation where the Technical committee has representation from a wide range of disciplines.
The survey questionnaire and other data collection forms will be extensively reviewed, and interview techniques will be practiced during training. Pilot testing all aspects of the survey generally takes place at the end of the training. The questionnaire should be tested:
- in one or more local languages, as appropriate
- using the same data collection method (paper-based or electronic) that will be used during the survey
- in conditions similar to the field to simulate the actual data collection
- in a location that is not going to be visited as part of the survey.
Following the pilot testing, all survey teams should convene and discuss the experience and make any necessary modifications to the questionnaire and other data collection forms. More details can be found in Module 12: Training and pilot testing
Cluster completion monitoring tool
Excel spreadsheet that can be customized to help the survey manager monitor the completion of survey clusters
DownloadLogistics checklist for survey manager
Checklist that can be used by survey managers to manage survey logistics
DownloadReferral Log for Anemia
Referral logs used to record the names of people identified by each team by having anemia
DownloadReferral Log for Malaria
Referral logs used to record the names of people identified by each team by having malaria
DownloadSpecimen Tracking Form for Laboratory Technician
Form used by laboratory technicians to track specimen transfer from phlebotomists and specimen processing in the field
DownloadSpecimen Tracking Form for Phlebotomist
Form used by phlebotomists to track specimens collected in the field and monitor transfer to the laboratory technicians
DownloadAfghanistan - children under five questionnaire
Preschool child questionnaire used in the Afghanistan 2004 survey
DownloadAfghanistan - household questionnaire
Household questionnaire used in the Afghanistan 2004 survey
DownloadAfghanistan - individual female questionnaire
Women’s questionnaire used in the Afghanistan 2004 survey
DownloadAfghanistan - individual male questionnaire
Men’s questionnaire used in the Afghanistan 2004 survey
DownloadAfghanistan - school-aged children questionnaire
School aged child questionnaire used in the Afghanistan 2004 survey
DownloadMalawi - man FRAT questionnaire
Men fortification rapid assessment tool questionnaire used in the Malawi 2009 survey
DownloadMalawi - women FRAT questionnaire
Women fortification rapid assessment tool questionnaire used in the Malawi 2009 survey
DownloadSpecimen field collection and processing manual
Manual used by phlebotomists and laboratory staff to provide a detailed explanation of specimen collection, processing, and transport
Download