Development and evaluation of a survey tool to measure DOHaD awareness

Research into the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) has established links between environmental exposures in early life and later-life health outcomes. Emerging interventions typically focus on improving maternal nutrition and neonatal healthcare practices yet often neglect to assess or enhance subject understanding of potential long-term impacts or to communicate the benefits of maximising parental health prior to conception. This study critically evaluates a survey tool developed to measure knowledge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and early-life contributors to lifelong health. The rationale behind the wording and format of the questions is examined alongside options for coding and statistical interpretation of the data. Considerations for implementation are discussed, illustrated by key findings arising from tracking of the tool's application in Aotearoa New Zealand over ten years. We demonstrate that the survey tool can be adapted for use in a variety of contexts, producing both quantitative and qualitative baseline data suitable for informing health promotion interventions and monitoring changes in population knowledge. This research also highlights a key difference between awareness of and understanding of scientific concepts and the importance of distinguishing between these when considering public engagement with science.