METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIFESTYLE SURVEILLANCE TOOLKIT IN THE ASSO PROJECT

Abstract

Following the presentation of the ASSO Project, as discussed in the previous issue of JSSL (Tabacchi G. 2011; 1-3: 267-269 ), one of the first objectives of the study is to develop helpful and efficient tools to create a webbased software for the collection of data on adolescent lifestyles. Different methods have been developed and used throughout Europe to collect information on adolescent lifestyles. In order to select the best methods to be used in the ASSO project, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the most valid dietary and physical activity/fitness assessment methods used in the target population has been perfomed. After the SLR and a meta-analysis of the retrieved studies, different tools have been developed within ASSO, in order to create a userfriendly and cost-effective toolkit for the creation of a web-based software for the data collection. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for data collection has been prepared and addressed to all the people involved in the preparation, administration and management of the questionnaires. The SOP has the purpose of standardizing methods and procedures to prevent systematic errors in the collection and reporting of data. Moreover, it is useful to provide reminders and guidelines of the correct way to deal with the information material related to the study, to perform the interviews, to manage the compilation of the questionnaire and to store the collected information. An informative letter on the project and the informed consent to be signed by the parents have been developed. After obtaining the parents’ consent, a list of all the students participating in the study will be prepared and an identification code and a password will be attributed to each student in order to respect the privacy.