July 2016
Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
In July 2016, a two-week in-depth field and study implementation training was conducted with the Eastern Africa GEOHealth Hub field staff. Trainers included USC Investigators Drs. Samet and Berhane and USC Research Associate Kristin Zacharias, MPH. Trainees included all AAU investigators and research field team members (Hub Manager, research administrator, 2 field researchers, data manager, data analyst and data clerk).
The training included modules tailored for research implementation including (1) general principles of population health research and specifically research directed at environmental problems, (2) study management, (3) database setup and management, (4) questionnaire development, (5) air pollution studies using mortality and morbidity data, (6) physiological measurements in field studies including spirometry and (7) air pollution monitoring and the assessment of exposure to air pollution. The training included didactic sessions aimed at providing basic theoretical background as well as in-depth practical and hands on training for research staff. Site visits to elementary schools in Addis Ababa were conducted for exposure monitor site selection.
Key training outcomes included certification of field researchers in spirometry, finalization of the health questionnaire and development of plans for translation and pilot testing, and site selection for ambient air monitors.
