Glossary*
All words with an asterisk (*) within the text of this toolkit are defined in detail here.
ANGELO Framework- The ANalysis Grid for Elements Linked to Obesity is a planning tool developed by Deakin University in Australia. This framework serves as a tool to work with the community in order to prioritize activities for intervention that address childhood obesity.
This is also a good framework to engage different stakeholders, and better understand local needs and resources available.
Community Readiness for Change- is a tool developed by the Tri-Ethnic Center of Colorado State University. It can be used as both a planning tool and evaluation tool, and serves to assess where the community lies in terms of its readiness for change, providing key information for developing appropriate interventions at the community level. There are 9 levels on the scale:
- No awareness,
- Denial / resistance
- Vague Awareness
- Preplanning
- Preparation
- Initiation
- Stabilisation
- Confirmation
- High level of Community Ownership
Community Toolbox- an online resource developed by the University of Kansas (USA) that aims to support community-based organizations with planning different activities.
Evaluation- a systematic process to determine the merit, worth and significance of programmes, projects, activities, initiatives or materials based on set standards.
Evaluation Design- refers to the methods and tools that are used in evaluations. Common designs for evaluating programmes include:
- quasi-experimental (an intervention and a control group that are not randomized),
- case control (identifying a group that has the characteristic of interest, i.e., obese children, and retrospectively working backwards to understand factors that might have contributed to their condition),
- prospective cohort (selecting a group and working with them prospectively to see if they develop the condition or disease, i.e., becoming overweight/obese).
Focus Group Discussions- a qualitative data collection method. A Focus Group Discussion typically involves six to twelve people who share similar characteristics or common interests. Focus Group Discussions are often used in market research to better understand consumer behaviours and acceptance of products and marketing materials.
Formative Evaluations- evaluations that occur in parallel with project/program implementation; they involve both outcome and process evaluation.
Key Informant Interviews- a qualitative data collection method which involves interviewing key individuals to provide insight on the particular topic or issue.
Logic Model- a tool used for evaluation and programme development that provides a conceptual framework for achieving the desired results. The logic model is a structured way of looking at the activities that are planned and that will be measured as indicators of the intervention’s success. It helps map which intervention components facilitated specific changes and outcomes. While there are different formats and associated jargon, the take-home message about a logic model is that it helps to clarify your project’s scope.
Monitoring- a process which tracks progress of programs/projects to determine if activities are moving forward as planned or if there is a need to make adjustments as a result of unplanned factors.
Observations (i.e. Field Observations)- a method of gathering data by watching behaviours, events, or noting physical characteristics in their natural settings (i.e., without interference from the person observing).
Outcomes- the results or changes achieved by the programme/project.
Outputs- activities, events and products that result from programme/project activities.
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)- an approach to data collection that grew out of rural development work. PRA is a widely used methodology because it utilizes traditional methods through which communities share information.
Physical Activity- as defined by the WHO, is "any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure." The WHO has published recommendations for the level of physical activity needed for different age categories to maintain health. Go to the WHO website to see these recommendations.
Physical Inactivity- The lack of physical activity. The WHO defines physical inactivity as not attaining the minimum recommendations for physical activity (1 hour a day for children and 150 minutes per week for adults).
Precision- a statistical term used to describe the degree of accuracy of a measurement to the actual (true) value.
Qualitative Data- narrative information that is gathered in key informant interviews, focus groups, group interviews, or any other discussion method. As opposed to quantitative data, which focuses on quantifiable information (such as numbers) and a large sample size, qualitative data focuses on context, and the value and/or quality of the information.
Quantitative Data- information that focuses on numerical outcomes of information. For instance, it may measure quantities or values; outcomes are expressed in numbers. This information is often collected via surveys.
Questionnaire- a set of questions used to gather information from individuals. Questionnaires can collect qualitative data (such as opinions from participants after training) and quantitative data (such as how many servings of fruits and vegetables were eaten by school children). It can be self-administered or administered by program staff.
Response Rate- in research, the number of individuals who complete a survey. For instance, if 73 out of 100 individuals complete a survey, the response rate is 73%.
Self-Administered Questionnaire- survey or set of questions where study participants record their answers with or without the assistance of programme staff.
Situational Analysis- Method used to better understand the community in which you are working. This method uses a set of tools to evaluate specific aspects of the community of interest.
SMART objectives- Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-specific. Clich here to know how to prepare SMART objectives.
Stakeholders- all parties involved in a given issue. For instance, stakeholders can be community members or leaders, school officials, businessmen, and politicians, amongst others.
Stakeholders Analysis- a stakeholder analysis allows you to map the interests and influences of your stakeholders in relationship to your programme goals. The power and interest matrix are useful tools to visualize the results of a stakeholder analysis.
Survey- See Questionnaire
SWOT Analysis- a SWOT Analysis is a way to assess an organisation or a programme’s STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, and THREATS by looking at internal and external factors that may have an impact. Download the SWOT Analysis.
Unhealthy Eating Diets- low in fruit and vegetable consumption, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, and high in fats, sugar, and salt.
