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The research outlined in this thesis covers various different statistical issues relating to meta-analysis of survey data. These issues include the creation of an original comprehensive methodological framework for combining survey data, a comparison of this framework with the traditional one proposed by Cochran for the combination of experiments, a proposal for a new weighting method that takes into account the differences in variability due to the sampling plan, an examination of the convergence of meta-analytic estimators, and a discussion on the numerous implicit assumptions researchers make when they are using meta-analysis methods with survey data along with guidelines for completing and reporting reviews when the data come from surveys. / Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-06 15:11:24.717

Introduction. In their work towards chronic disease prevention, public health practitioners need valid tools to survey trends in dietary intake. Currently the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System includes an optional six-item vegetable and fruit intake food frequency questionnaire (FFQ module. Our objectives are (1) to evaluate the potential for the frequency or occasions of consumption from the FFQ to stand as a reasonable proxy for quantified servings collected through a reference method and, (2) to compare each method's assessment of the proportion of the sample averaging five or more occasions or servings of vegetables and fruit per day. Methods. Dietitians administered the reference method, three 24-hour recalls, to each of 174 adult respondents who had completed the FFQ as part of the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System. Recalls were conducted over the phone using an adaptation of the Multiple Pass Method. Tools were mailed to respondents to aid with portion estimation. Results. The average of total vegetable and fruit intake for the group was 4.8 servings/day from the recalls and not significantly different from the 4.6 occasions/day from the FFQ. Thirty five percent of respondents were classified as consuming five or more servings/day by the recall method and 37% were classified as consuming vegetables and fruit five or more occasions/day by the FFQ. Discussion. Results indicate this brief questionnaire can be used as a proxy for quantified intake. The classification of those consuming five or more servings/day by each method appeared close. Conclusion. Given the limited funding available for nutrition promotion, surveying trends using this type of food frequency questionnaire can contribute to decisions regarding the distribution of funds for program planning.

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The problem of the study was to establish a valid and reliable instrument to measure the attitudes of Indiana school administrators toward sexuality education curriculum. From a table of specifications, a pool of 43 items was developed into the initial instrument. A 12-member jury of experts consisting of health educators, school health education teachers, high school principals, college professors (in the health education/school health field), and school superintendents was used to determine the validity of the items. The items were sent for the jury review one. To determine which items would be retained, revised, or eliminated, the items were subjected to both a quantitative and qualitative review. The revised instrument was then sent to the jury for review two. Responses from the second review were also subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis. This final review included the use of the Content Validity Ratio (CVR). All items on the instrument that were not statistically significant at p < .05 were eliminated. A pilot study followed to establish validity. The final instrument contained 20 items from the 43 original proposed items. / Department of Physiology and Health Science