March 3, 2025
The study "International Labor Migration, Armed Conflict, and Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementia Risk in Nepal" featured a comprehensive training program designed to enhance enumerators’ knowledge and skills in research processes and high-quality data collection. Conducted by the Institute for Social and Environmental Research Nepal (ISER-N) in partnership with Survey Research Operations at the University of Michigan (SRO-UM), the primary objectives were to improve interviewers' skills, uphold ethical standards in fieldwork, and effectively use digital tools for data collection.
The program took place from January 22 to February 19, 2025, at ISER-N in Fulbari and featured a robust curriculum. It covered survey administration using SurveyTrak and Blaise software, ethical data management practices, and informed consent procedures. The first part of the training—General Interviewing Techniques (GIT)—emphasized skills such as effective probing, active listening, and managing sensitive topics ethically. It aimed to enhance interviewer efficiency by combining theoretical insights with hands-on practice, focusing on confidentiality, accurate data recording, and minimizing interviewer bias.
The second part of the training focused on the Nepali Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (N-HCAP), aiming to develop enumerators’ skills in conducting cognitive assessments. These assessments evaluate various cognitive domains, including memory, attention, language, executive function, visuospatial skills, and processing speed, and are used to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses, diagnose impairments, and monitor changes over time.
Participants engaged in interactive demonstrations, certification exercises, and practical field scenarios, with a strong focus on real-world application. Advanced sessions covered interview techniques, fieldwork challenges, and administering the N-HCAP specifically.
The training was facilitated by a diverse team of experienced professionals, including Prof. Dr. Dirgha Jibi Ghimire (Principal Investigator), Ms. Indra Chaudhary (Project Coordinator), Mr. Prem Pandit and Mr. Hardik Sapkota (Project Manager) along with Ms. Adina Gurung (Data Manager) and other team members from ISER-N such as Mr. Krishna Shrestha, Mr. Rajendra Ghimire, Ms. Mamata Thapa, Mr. Bibek Sapkota, Ms. Nira Gurung, Ms. Sita Chaudhary, Mr. Dil Bhadhur C.K., and Mr. Gobhindha Lamichhane, played key roles during this sessions. Ms. Maureen O’Brien and Ms. Jennie Williams from SRO-UM brought deep expertise in NHCAP administration, data collection, and research methodologies.
The participant group was diverse: 83% female and 17% male, with a varied ethnic makeup—60% Brahmin/Chettri, 20% Gurung/Magar/Tamang, 6% Dalit, and 14% Tharu/Darai/Kumal. Educationally, 57% held a bachelor's degree or higher, 31% had intermediate-level education, and 11% had completed the School Leaving Certificate (SLC).
