[Application of the Delphi method to establish index system for evaluating nutritional status of women before and during pregnancy].

Abstract

Objective: To establish index system for evaluating nutritional status of women before and during pregnancy.

Methods: Preliminary construction of this index system was based on literature review, grass-roots investigation and expert discussions. The Delphi method was applied to conduct two rounds of consultation with 25 experts. The active coefficient, authority coefficient, concentration coefficient and harmony coefficient were analyzed after consultation. Then the index system was finally formed based on the criteria for screening indicators and combining the experts' opinions and suggestions as well as the discussions of the research team.

Results: The active coefficients of the consultation in two rounds were both 100%. The authority coefficients were(0.95±0.06) and(0.96±0.06). The ranges of average scores for importance of second-level indicators were(3.44-5.00) and(4.04-5.00), for feasibility of second-level indicators being(3.36-5.00) and(3.64-5.00). The harmony coefficients for importance of second-level indicators were 0.277(χ~2=338.26, P<0.05) and 0.300(χ~2=292.50, P<0.05), and for feasibility of second-level indicators were 0.308(χ~2=359.21, P<0.05) and 0.404(χ~2=377.84, P<0.05), respectively. Finally, the index system was established with 5 first-level and 39 second-level indicators.

Conclusion: Constructing a system of indicators for evaluating the nutritional status of women before and during pregnancy based on Delphi method showed a performance of good activism and authority of experts. Experts' opinions were coordinated and unified, indicating this index system was relatively reliable.