SECTION TWO
Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS) - the average number of different food groups consumed by [specify the target group] the previous day and night
Definition/RATION/ALE – what does it measure? (max 2 lines)
The indicator assesses the number of (pre-determined) food groups which were eaten by a specific target group the previous day or night. It is an indicator of a diet's micronutrient adequacy, an important dimension of its quality. It does not measure the intake of kilocalories.
Methodology for collection – How to collect information for indicator (max 4 lines).
Collect the following data by conducting individual interviews with a representative sample of your target group members (if you assess children's IDDS, interview their mothers or other primary caretakers responsible for feeding the children). List all meals which the person ate in the previous day in the Recording Meals Form.
Methodology for analysis – How to analyse (Max 4 lines)
Visual demonstrations for thresholds
How to interpret: Urban v. rural, gender
- • List all meals which the person ate in the previous day in the Recording Meals Form.
- • Double check the meals' composition (e.g. porridge with or without milk).
- • Only then record in the questionnaire which food groups were eaten. Double check with the respondent regarding which foods the child or the adult ate from groups that were not mentioned (for example: "Did s/he yesterday eat any eggs?")
- • Count the number of consumed food groups (i.e. the Individual Dietary Diversity Score).
- • Calculate the indicator's value by summing up all IDD scores and dividing them by the number of respondents.
- • Disaggregate the data by age group, gender, and the household's wealth category.
Notes on indicator –
What does the indicator not tell us.
How long is it reliable for?
- • This indicator relies on accurate age assessment. Since people often do not remember the exact dates of their children’s birth, the data collectors should never rely only on the information provided by caregivers and always verify the child’s age. It is essential that your data collectors are able to determine the child’s age by using local events calendars.
- • Individual dietary diversity is prone to seasonal differences
- • Check whether yesterday was a special day (religious festival or celebration) when an unusually varied or limited diet was eaten - if so, do not proceed with collecting dietary data as it is likely that they will not reflect a typical diet.
- • IDDS works with 7 food groups for children 6-23 months of age, and 9 food groups for children 24-59 months of age, older children and adults
When to use it/when not to use it:
• Do not collect data during the fasting periods (such as pre-Easter time or Ramadan) and during the fasting days.
IPC Categories:
Food Consumption Outcome
M&E: IMPACT, OUTCOME, OUTPUT, PROCESS
Impact/Outcome
