Instead of conducting the study in ICDS centres, it may be possible to set up separate feeding centres where participants can obtain food and ICDS services. This would be most feasible in an urban setting, where participants selected from different AWC catchment areas would be separated by less distance than in rural areas and could more easily attend the study feeding centre. Sample Size Sample size determination will require investigation into mean values and variability of the relevant biochemical parameters as well as prevalence of the relevant types of micronutrient deficiency. The sample should be large enough to detect a 10 percent difference in mean and prevalence for hemoglobin, serum retinol, and urinary iodine excretion values. A separate feeding centre should be used for each treatment group.
Monitors also can administer standardized tests for mental and physical development.
Once testing of the types of food begins, mothers should receive transport assistance to facilitate their attendance at the appropriate centre. Take-home rations also can be given to compensate them for their time. Take-home rations should NOT be provided for children. During feeding, study monitors should carefully measure the food ration for each child, and record the amount consumed. One day each month the monitors can assist the AWW in taking anthropometric measurements, maintaining separate records for study purposes.