Two volunteers from each of the 12 wards of the village Panchayat
were selected for the baseline survey by the elected
representative of the ward based on a criteria including minimumeducational
qualification of 12 years of schooling. Except
two, all the volunteers selected werewomen. These volunteers
were trained to collect the data using the interview schedule
and take anthropometric measurements and blood pressure
using sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. An Omron electronic
blood pressure apparatus was also used during the
training program to enhance the quality of blood pressure
measurement using sphygmomanometer. If any of the trainees
was not sure of the blood pressure reading, s/he used the electronic
blood pressure apparatus to cross check the readings