- Pre-test
September 30–October 7, 2024 | ISER-N, Fulbari Campus
Objective:To train interviewers on the administration of the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP). The training also covered survey introduction, eligibility screening, informed consent, proxy/informant questionnaires, and the Life History Calendar (LHC). Certification tests were conducted for consenting and N-HCAP administration. Supervised field practice in Kalika Municipality helped identify challenges and refine procedures.
Trainers: The training was facilitated by a diverse team of experienced professionals. Prof. Dr. Dirgha Jibi Ghimire (Principal Investigator) and Ms. Indra Chaudhary (Project Coordinator) led the program. They were supported by Project Managers Mr. Prem Pandit and Mr. Hardik Sapkota, Data Manager Ms. Adina Gurung, Research Officers Mr. Krishna Shrestha and Mr. Rajendra Ghimire, and Assistant Research Officers Ms. Mamata Thapa, Mr. Bibek Sapkota, Ms. Nira Gurung, Ms. Sita Chaudhary, Mr. Dil Bahadur C.K., and Mr. Gobhinda Lamichhane from ISER-N. Additionally, Ms. Maureen O’Brien (Senior Survey Specialist, SRO-UM) and Mr. Nabin Adhikari (former Project Manager) contributed via Zoom, sharing expertise in N-HCAP administration, data collection, and data management.
Participants: 23 interviewers representing diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
- Part I Production
January 22–28, 2025 | ISER-N, Fulbari Campus
Objective:To provide advanced training on the finalized Nepal Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (N-HCAP), ensuring accuracy and standardization across large-scale fieldwork. Training emphasized cognitive domains (memory, attention, language, executive function, visuospatial skills), scoring, and instrument administration, as well as detailed training on Informant Interview administration. Certification tests were conducted for consenting and N-HCAP administration. Supervised field practice was conducted in Kalika and Ratnanagar Municipalities.
Trainers: The training was facilitated by a diverse team of experienced professionals. Ms. Maureen O’Brien (Senior Survey Specialist, SRO-UM) and Mr. Hardik Sapkota (Project Manager) conducted sessions on N-HCAP administration. Ms. Indra Chaudhary (Program Coordinator) and Mr. Prem Pandit (Study Manager) provided additional support. Ms. Jennie Williams (Senior Data Manager, SRO-UM) and Ms. Adina Gurung (Data Manager, ISER-N) led sessions on data management and data recording using applications such as Webtrak, Survey123, and Weblog. Research Officers Mr. Krishna Shrestha and Mr. Rajendra Ghimire, and Assistant Research Officers Ms. Mamata Thapa, Mr. Bibek Sapkota, Ms. Nira Gurung, Ms. Sita Chaudhary, Mr. Dil Bahadur C.K., and Mr. Gobhinda Lamichhane (ISER-N) were actively involved in session management, round robins, and practice activities.
Participants: 42 participants, including interviewers, team leaders, and assistant research officers.
- Part II Production
June 22–July 3, 2025
Objective:To provide advanced training on the Life History Calendar (LHC), demographic, life events/experiences, health behavior, and health assessment sections of the respondent questionnaire, as well as detailed training on proxy interviews. For biomarker collection and processing, phlebotomists and lab staff were trained on the Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for Blood Sample Collection, Processing, and Storage. Supervised field practice was conducted in Kalika and Ratnanagar Municipalities.
Trainers: ISER-N core team (Dr. Dirgha Jibi Ghimire, Ms. Indra Chaudhary, Mr. Hardik Sapkota, Mr. Prem Pandit, Ms. Adina Gurung, and Mr. Rajendra Ghimire), Dr. Sanjay Yadav (Lab Director, CMC Hospital, Bharatpur-10), Research Officer Mr. Krishna Shrestha, and Assistant Research Officers Ms. Mamata Thapa, Mr. Bibek Sapkota, Ms. Nira Gurung, Ms. Sita Chaudhary, Mr. Dil Bahadur C.K., and Mr. Gobhinda Lamichhane (ISER-N), who supported session management, round robins, and practice exercises.
Participants: 45 participants, including interviewers, phlebotomists, lab staff, team leaders, and assistant research officers.
