The OWT is a relatively easy tool to use. Despite being a definite change from commonly used questionnaires, trained enumerators and children are able to quickly understand and complete the tool. However, there are several key components that the authors have stressed as imperative in using the tool which are described below.

Informed Consent

All children who complete the OWT should provide informed consent. The children should fully understand how the data will be used and that their answers linked to their names will not be shared publicly. The data will instead be used to determine program needs and responses.

Translation

Starting with informed consent, everything associated with the OWT should be translated correctly into local dialect. Back-translation by another independent translator should occur to ensure that the work is appropriate. Any discrepancies should then be resolved.

Translation of certain words in the OWT must be done from a figurative view, not a literal one. Many languages do not have equivalent words to express some of the more abstract concepts in the OWT, including concepts such as feelings and self-worth. Therefore, it is essential that the translation be done by qualified personnel and that the back-translation be completed to ensure the integrity of the meaning of the OWT.

The time and energy required to ensure accurate translation should not be underestimated. Ensuring that the tool is translated well and that the "essence" of each question is preserved should be seen as a priority. All translations to date are available on the translations page.

Administering the OWT

The OWT should be administered orally to children aged 13-18. The interviewer should follow the directions on the page verbatim, providing the instructions printed on the sheet. At no time should the interviewer change words within the tool or expand on the concepts in the tool.

Potentially, the OWT could be self-administered by the child. However, this method has not yet been researched to determine if it is effective. Due to high illiteracy rates and the numerous translations required, the tool was designed as an oral tool. If countries are committed to self-administration, the literacy levels of the children should be assessed ahead of time. The box on self-administration should be checked on the form and entered into the database as a unique variable so that researchers are able to determine differences between oral and self-administered responses.

Time Required

The tool is relatively short. Most children orally complete the tool within 20 minutes during the initial administration even when used by new enumerators. The time required varies from 15 to 25 minutes, according to reports from the field. Time requirements will likely decrease upon re-administration, once the children and the enumerators become more familiar with the questions and answer options. This should be especially true when repeated measures are done and children become familiar with the tool. To date, no research has been conducted on the amount of time required for self-administration.