NCCOR's Measures Registry

Introduction: NCCOR aims to develop, compile, test, and promote the consistent use of common measures and methods across childhood obesity prevention and research at the individual, community and population levels. This session will introduce researchers to NCCOR's Measures Registry for key variables in childhood obesity research. Methods: NCCOR conducted a literature review to compile all articles that included measures relevant to childhood obesity that were published between 2004 and 2010. These measures were categorized according to four domains: individual dietary behavior, individual physical activity behavior, food environment, and physical activity environment. Subject matter experts abstracted all articles using a standardized data abstraction form that included details on validity, reliability, health outcomes, protocols for use and scoring, and other specifics regarding the populations in which the measures was used. New measures for which peer-reviewed publications were not available were included separately as emerging measures. Expert panelists and focus groups determined layout design preferences. Results/Findings: NCCOR created an online Measures Registry based on an initial compilation of measures drawn from more than 500 papers relevant to childhood obesity research. The Measures Registry is a searchable tool that provides information about measures and their operational characteristics. It will be updated regularly and additional feedback will be gathered regarding how to optimize the use of the tool. Conclusions: The Measures Registry is intended to foster use of standard measures in childhood obesity research, identify gaps, and fuel development and validation of new measures.