November 2017
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
In November 2017, University of Southern California Research Associate Kristin Zacharias, MPH, led an Eastern Africa Children’s Health Study workshop at Makerere University School of Public Health to train local investigators and field team on Children’s Health Study implementation procedures. Focus areas included consent protocols; procedures for physiological measurements including spirometry, data flow procedures and data quality assurance; and quality control practices. The training included didactic sessions aimed at providing theoretical background as well as practical, hands-on training in the field. During this workshop a successful pilot study was conducted at a local school to assess instrument and staff readiness. Key training outcomes included certification of field researchers in spirometry, completion and analysis of data from the pilot test, refinement of recruitment and consent procedures as well as site selection for ambient air monitors at local schools.