2.7. Data Collection
WASTED, EVENT
All data were recorded electronically via customized data collection forms using CommCare-HQ (Dimagi, Boston, MA, USA) and deployed on portable Samsung tablets (Samsung Galaxy, Tab-4). At baseline, duplicate anthropometric assessments were recorded by trained anthropometric teams, using standardized procedures. Measurements included weight to the nearest 0.02 kg (SECA 383 balance) and recumbent length to the nearest 0.1 cm (SECA 416 length board). In the event that the duplicate measurements differed by >0.1 kg for weight, or by >0.5 cm for recumbent length and MUAC, a third independent measurement was taken. Means were computed using the two measures with the lowest absolute differences. Children who were severely wasted (WLZ < −3 SD) at baseline were excluded from participation and referred to the nearest health center or hospital. The anthropometric assessments were repeated after 18 weeks and at the endline (32–40 weeks). Anthropometric teams were systematically standardized [For the purpose of evaluating biomarkers of nutritional status and health, ~7 mL samples of venous blood were collected by trained nurses from a convenience subsample of children (N = 760 for the parent study), using evacuated, trace element-free, 7.5 mL Lithium-Heparin tubes (Sarstedt AG & Co., Numbrecht, Germany). The heparinized samples were maintained at 4–8 °C in portable cooler boxes until they were transported to field laboratories for plasma processing within <8 h. In the field laboratory, the blood samples were centrifuged (PowerSpin Centrifuge Model LX C856; United Products & Instruments, Inc., Dayton, NJ, USA) at 1097× 