Methods
Scope of Current Data Collection
This is a description of the data we currently collect for analyses.
The GDD Prediction Model
The GDD prediction model estimates mean intake of 53 dietary factors by country, year, age, sex, urbanicity, education, and pregnancy status in 185 countries by synthesizing survey mean intake data from heterogeneous sources. The Bayesian multilevel framework has some advantageous properties that are appealing for our aims. A summary of the model is provided below.
Model Covariates
We have identified country- and time-specific data from various sources to further inform our model predictions. These data, which we call covariates, act as important intelligence to supplement our individual-level dietary intake data, particularly in countries for which these inputs are limited. Below is a summary of the process for identifying and incorporating these data into our estimates.