Implementation Outcome Variables Contextualized for Food Fortification19
| Implementation Outcome Variable | Working Definition in the Context of Food Fortification | Related Terms in Food Fortification (Non-exhaustive) | Examples of Interpretations for Food Fortification Programs (Non-exhaustive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptability | The degree to which food fortification (or an innovation that addresses a precondition to the increased consumption of adequately fortified foods) is agreeable to stakeholders | Perceived operability; myths, taboos, and beliefs; perceived cost- benefit; perceived affordability; perceived business advantage or disadvantage; organoleptic/sensory properties | Acceptability of food fortification technology by industry; acceptability of the intervention by policy makers; acceptability of the addition of micronutrients to food by consumers; acceptability of a price increase by consumers |
| Adoption | The uptake, utilization, intention to try or intention to consume any product, activity, or innovation related to food fortification | Uptake; penetration; utilization; intention to try or intention to buy/consume | Adoption of food fortification by producers; adoption of a fortification logo; use or intended use of fortified products by consumers |
| Appropriateness/ Feasibility | The perceived (or actual) fit, relevance, or compatibility of food fortification for a particular context; the ability of food fortification to reach a particular target group (e.g., women of reproductive age who are below the poverty line) | Practicality; perceived fit; relevance; suitability; operability | Appropriateness of the food selected to fortify; appropriateness of the micronutrient compound being used by food processors; feasibility of fortification in the context of the state of the production industry (e.g., centralized vs decentralized processing); appropriateness of the technology being used by producers; appropriateness of the intervention to address a particular micronutrient deficiency; feasibility to enforce legislation |
| Coverage | The degree to which the targeted population is consuming fortified products regularly or able to access fortified products | Reach; access; penetration; consumption amongst the population; coverage of the target population | Penetration of fortified products in the market; percentage of the population that can access fortified products |
| Fidelity | The degree to which activities related to food fortification are occurring according to original program plan, policy, or protocols | Compliance; adherence; quality; delivery as intended | Compliance of the micronutrient compound with national standards; compliance of micronutrient levels found in foods with allowable ranges that are specified by national standards |
| Implementation Cost | The total cost of implementing all activities related to achieving increased consumption of adequately fortified foods | Program cost | Total cost per beneficiary of reaching 80% coverage of fortified foods |
| Sustainability | The extent to which fortification is institutionalized within the government and industry and not reliant on continuous external inputs and support | Institutionalization; integration; non-reliance on external inputs; ownership by the government, industry, and society | Degree to which the government can monitor and enforce food fortification; degree to which complying with fortification requirements is a viable business model for producers |