Measurement is the foundation of research and theory on children's eating behaviours: Current issues and directions for progress.

Eating behaviours affect food intakes and are involved in the aetiology of obesity. There has been impetus to translate findings about children's eating behaviour into intervention and policy programs. However, measurement limitations have hindered our capacity to understand and influence children's eating behaviours. In the present paper we provide an overview of some of the key methodological and measurement issues facing the field of children's eating behaviours and highlight implications for research and health promotion. Drawing on insight from parallel issues that occur in the measurement of early social and emotional development, we examine two overlapping themes in children's (aged 0-∼12 years) eating behaviours (1) measurement issues related to validity and reliability, and (2) associated methodological challenges, such as contextual influences and the importance of designing studies that use multiple informants and multiple methods. We then suggest insights and strategies aimed at advancing approaches to measurement of children's eating behaviours. To progress our understanding of children's eating behaviours, we conclude that a range of psychometrically sound, fit-for-purpose measurement instruments and procedures are needed for use in multi-trait, multi-method, multi-informant studies in a range of populations and contexts.

Multiple cases of acquired toxoplasmosis retinitis presenting in an outbreak.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine the variability in presentation and outcome of individuals presenting with acquired toxoplasmosis retinitis in the setting of an outbreak of the disease. DESIGN: The study design was a case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one eyes of 20 patients with equal gender distribution and a mean age of 54 years followed for 38 to 170 weeks (mean 113.7 weeks) were studied. INTERVENTION: Systemic antimicrobials and corticosteroids when indicated were given. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, media inflammation and clarity, resolution of active retinitis, and appearance of recurrence were observed. RESULTS: Fifteen of 21 lesions were active, and 7 of the total number of lesions fell within the macula-peripapillary region. Overall, vision improved with treatment except in cases of macular involvement (3 cases) and persistent vitritis (3 cases). Four recurrences have occurred to date. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest reported outbreak of acquired toxoplasmosis retinitis occurring within a single outbreak. Twenty-one eyes of 20 patients presented with retinal lesions, and on average, those treated for active retinitis had improvement in vision.