Social research methods applied to nutritional assessment

Abstract

As nutritionists recognize the importance of social factors influencing nutritional status, methods for collecting, processing and evaluating social data need to be incorporated into the nutrition survey. This paper describes one method of using social research techniques in nutritional assessment. Each step in the research design, from the selection of the problem to stating the conclusions, is explained in relation to nutrition evaluation and illustrated by a case study. Figures and tables demonstrating relationships are included.