Calculating the Sample Size

The sample size, in this case, refers to the number of children to be included in
the survey.

Step 1: Base Sample-size Calculation

The appropriate sample size for a population-based survey is determined largely

by three factors: (i) the estimated prevalence of the variable of interest – chronic
malnutrition in this instance, (ii) the desired level of confidence and (iii) the
acceptable margin of error.

For a survey design based on a simple random sample, the sample size required
can be calculated according to the following formula.

Formula:

n= t² x p(1-p)
  m²

Description:

n = required sample size

t = confidence level at 95% (standard value of 1.96)
p = estimated prevalence of malnutrition in the project area
m = margin of error at 5% (standard value of 0.05)

Example

In the Al Haouz project in Morocco, it has been estimated that roughly 30%
(0.3) of the children in the project area suffer from chronic malnutrition. This
figure has been taken from national statistics on malnutrition in rural areas. Use
of the standard values listed above provides the following calculation.
Calculation:
n= 1.96² x .3(1-.3)
  .05²
n= 3.8416 x .21
  .0025
n= .8068
  .0025
n= 322.72 ~ 323

Step 2: Design Effect

The anthropometric survey is designed as a cluster sample (a representative

selection of villages), not a simple random sample. To correct for the difference
in design, the sample size is multiplied by the design effect (D).
The design effect is generally assumed to be 2 for nutrition surveys using
cluster-sampling methodology.

Example

n x D = 323 x 2 = 646

Step 3: Contingency

The sample is further increased by 5% to account for contingencies such as non-

response or recording error.

Example

n + 5% = 646 x 1.05 = 678.3 ˜ 678

Step 4: Distribution of Observations

Finally, the calculation result is rounded up to the closest number that matches
well with the number of clusters (30 villages) to be surveyed.

Thirty is the standard number of clusters established by the WHO Expanded

Programme of Immunization (EPI Cluster Surveys). There is no statistically
necessary reason to maintain exactly 30 clusters, and the number can be adjusted
if there is a compelling motive for doing so.

Example

Final Sample Size: N = 690 children

The final sample size (N) is then divided by the number of clusters (30) to
determine the number of observations per cluster.

Example

N ÷ no. clusters = 690 ÷ 30 = 23 children per village

General Rule: Standardized Sample Sizes for Nutrition Surveys

The following table provides the recommended sample size for various estimated
levels of malnutrition, incorporating standard values for confidence level and
margin of error. The final sample size includes the contingency percentage and is
rounded to match well with a 30-cluster survey.

P n nxD N
(est. % (base sample (n x design (final sample
 malnutrition) size) effect) size)
0.2 (20%) 246 492 540
0.25 (25%) 288 576 600
0.3 (30%) 323 646 690
0.35 (35%) 350 700 720
0.4 (40%) 369 738 750
0.45 (45%) 380 760 780
0.5 (50%) 384 768 810

Note:
If it is not possible to find an estimated prevalence of malnutrition for the project
area, the recommended action is to set the sample size at 810.

When in doubt, set the sample size at 810.

References

FAO. 1990. Conducting small-scale nutrition surveys: A field manual, Rome.

Magnani, Robert. 1997. Sampling guide. IMPACT Food Security and Nutrition
Monitoring Project, Arlington, Va.

UNICEF. 1995. Monitoring progress toward the goals of the World Food
Summit for Children: A practical handbook for multiple indicator surveys. New
York.