Azad - data collection

So in the CHILD study, we’ve used a lot of different methods of data collection. So we’ve had the parents complete surveys. Back in the early days that was done on paper, but we now do it all online so families can log in at their computer at home and fill out the surveys that we get that data directly into our databases. We’re experimenting with some new technologies now that the kids are into their adolescent years. We used to have them complete surveys about what they eat, like how often do you eat broccoli and so on. They get pretty long and maybe a little boring. Now we are testing out a new technology where they just take a picture of their plate and through AI or technology, things the computer can figure out; oh, they’re eating broccoli, they’re eating chicken and how much? So that’s kind of neat. Gamifies it a little bit for the kids.  

During COVID, we actually experimented with several new ways of collecting data because we had this challenge where we couldn’t bring the families in anymore to do different types of tests. And so we were using text messaging to do little short surveys with them to ask about their COVID symptoms and testing. And we also, for the first time, collected biological samples by mail. So in the past, we’d always either gone out to the family’s home and vacuumed up dust and collected a breast milk sample and a diaper. Or when the families came in to see us in the clinic, they would bring in a sample or we would draw blood. But this time we didn’t want anyone coming near the hospitals, so we sent them little finger pricking kits where they poked and gave us a little blood sample on a filter paper. We used that to test for COVID antibodies, and we may do other analyses as well. And we also sent them a swabbing kit so that they could collect stool samples for us at home. And so we now have a whole new batch of stool samples that we’re going to do microbiome analysis on.