scholarly journals Issues in assessing the validity of nutrient data obtained from a food-frequency questionnaire: folate and vitamin B12 examples

2004 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 751-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria M Flood ◽  
Wayne T Smith ◽  
Karen L Webb ◽  
Paul Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validity Data ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Folate And Vitamin B12 ◽  
Nutrient Data

AbstractObjective:To compare methods used to assess the validity of nutrient intake data obtained from a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), using folate and vitamin B12 as nutrient examples.Design:Cross-sectional sample from a population cohort.Setting:Two postcode areas west of Sydney, Australia.Subjects:In total, 2895 people aged 49 years and older provided dietary data using a semi-quantitative FFQ (79% of 3654 subjects examined). The validity of the FFQ was assessed against three 4-day weighed food records (WFRs) completed by 78 people (mean age 70 years).Results:Folate and vitamin B12 validity data were assessed using different methods. The Spearman ranked correlations (energy-adjusted) were 0.66 for folate and 0.38 for vitamin B12. Using the Bland–Altman method, following loge transformation, no linear trend existed between the differences and means for folate and vitamin B12. Large differences existed between the FFQ and WFR in individual cases, particularly for vitamin B12. Finally, data were divided into quintile categories for the test and reference method: 79% classified folate within one quintile, 65% classified vitamin B12 within one quintile; there was no gross misclassification for folate and only 3% misclassification for vitamin B12.Conclusions:Different methods of analysis provided different information about the validity of the FFQ. Correlation coefficients should not be used alone to assess the validity of nutrient data, but should be used in conjunction with Bland–Altman analyses. Depending on the use of the data, additional assessment of classification categories is recommended. This worked example demonstrates that absolute intakes of folate and vitamin B12 should be used with caution.

scholarly journals Validation of a food-frequency questionnaire for cohort studies in rural Japan

2003 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Ogawa ◽  
Yoshitaka Tsubono ◽  
Yoshikazu Nishino ◽  
Yoko Watanabe ◽  
Takayoshi Ohkubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Total Energy ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Miyagi Prefecture

AbstractObjectives:To examine the validity and reproducibility of a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) used for two cohort studies in Japan.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:Two rural towns in the Miyagi Prefecture, in north-eastern Japan.Subjects:Fifty-five men and 58 women.Results:A 40-item FFQ was administered twice, 1 year apart. In the mean time, four 3-day diet records (DRs) were collected in four seasons within the year. We calculated daily consumption of total energy and 15 nutrients, 40 food items and nine food groups from the FFQs and the DRs. We computed Spearman correlation coefficients between the FFQs and the DRs. With adjustment for age, total energy and deattenuation for measurement error with the DRs, the correlation coefficients for nutrient intakes ranged from 0.25 to 0.58 in men and from 0.30 to 0.69 in women, with median of 0.43 and 0.43, respectively. Median (range) of the correlation coefficients was 0.35 (−0.30 to 0.72) in men and 0.34 (−0.06 to 0.75) in women for food items and 0.60 (−0.10 to 0.76) and 0.51 (0.28–0.70) for food groups, respectively. Median (range) of the correlation coefficients for the two FFQs administered 1 year apart was 0.49 (0.31–0.71) in men and 0.50 (0.40–0.64) in women for nutrients, 0.43 (0.14–0.76) and 0.45 (0.06–0.74) respectively for food items, and 0.50 (0.30–0.70) and 0.57 (0.39–0.66) respectively for food groups. Relatively higher agreement percentages for intakes of nutrients and food groups with high validity were obtained together with lower complete disagreement percentages.Conclusions:The FFQ has a high reproducibility and a reasonably good validity, and is useful in assessing the usual intakes of nutrients, foods and food groups among a rural Japanese population.

scholarly journals Validation and reliability of a simplified food frequency questionnaire: A cross sectional study among physical health examination adults in southwest region of China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengyan Cheng ◽  
Ping Shuai ◽  
Qichuan Qiao ◽  
Tingxin Li
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Southwest Region

Abstract Background In China, many people are apt to participate in regular physical examination as a precaution. Some simplified food frequency questionnaire have been designed and used. However, the effectiveness of questionnaire is absent. This study was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of simplified food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) used among physical examination adults in southwest region of China. Methods This study was a cross sectional study among physical health examination adults in Southwest region of China. A total of 239 participants aged 20-65 were conducted during February to June in 2019. The performance of the SFFQ was evaluated by the mean of three-day 24-hour dietary recalls (3R24). The relative validity and agreement was assessed by the Pearson`s correlation and intra-class correlation coefficients(ICC) respectively. Results The median energy-adjusted ICC of food groups between SFFQ2 and SFFQ1 was 0.59 (range: 0.49-0.73) and the ICC of nutrients was 0.47(range: 0.39-0.76). The Pearson correlation showed the validity between the SFFQ1 and 3R24, which ranged from -0.086 to 0.93 for food and and 0.21 to 0.71 for nutritions, respectively. Energy-adjustment slightly increased the correlation coefficients. Conclusions The reliability and validity of the SFFQ was acceptable. It could be an appropriate dietary assessment tool for future epidemiological studies in physical health examination adults among Chinese in southwest China.

scholarly journals Reproducibility and validity of a food-frequency questionnaire for use among low-income Brazilian workers

2003 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 821-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nélida Schmid Fornés ◽  
Maria Luiza Ferreira Stringhini ◽  
Berenice Müller Elias
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Total Energy ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Food Frequency

AbstractObjectives:To assess the reproducibility and validity a 127-item, habitual intake, food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), developed for low-income and low-literacy Brazilian workers, by comparison with a 24-hour dietary recall (24-HDR).Design:The FFQ and 24-HDR were interviewer-administered at the local workplace to each subject twice, with a period of 6 months between estimates; and four 24-HDRs were conducted during the 4-month period between the two FFQs (FFQ1 and FFQ2). Reproducibility was tested by comparing mean nutrient intakes from the two FFQs. Validity was determined by comparing the mean nutrient intakes from the FFQs with the corresponding averages of the six 24-HDRs (reference method).Setting:Goiânia City, in Central West Brazil.Subjects:The study was based on 104 (62 women and 42 men) subjects, aged 18 to 60 years, who were randomly selected.Results:Dietary intake from the FFQ was higher than from the 24-HDR. Reproducibility was assessed by Pearson correlation coefficients for nutrients from FFQ1 and FFQ2, and ranged from 0.23 for retinol to 0.69 for total energy (mean 0.52). Intra-class coefficients for nutrients averaged by the 24-HDRs ranged from 0.29 for vitamin C to 0.76 for total energy; retinol was not significant. In the validation study, correlation between the FFQ and the 24-HDR ranged between 0.21 for vitamin C and 0.70 for total energy (mean 0.50). Adjusting for total energy lowered the coefficients, except for calcium, retinol and vitamin C. Coefficients increased with attenuation, ranging from 0.35 for carbohydrate to 0.65 for calcium.Conclusions:Results indicate that this questionnaire had satisfactory reproducibility and reasonable validity.

scholarly journals Reproducibility and validity of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire among Jamaicans of African origin

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 971-980 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Jackson ◽  
S Walker ◽  
J Cade ◽  
T Forrester ◽  
JK Cruickshank ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
African Origin ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Cross Classification

AbstractBackground:An interviewer-administered quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed to determine the energy and nutrient intakes of adult Jamaicans of African origin as part of a study of the epidemiology of diabetes and hypertension.Methods:Reproducibility of the questionnaire was investigated in 123 participants aged 25–74 years. The relative validity of the FFQ was assessed against twelve 24-hour recalls administered over 12 months in 73 of the participants. In addition, energy intakes (EI) were compared with estimated basal metabolic rates (BMR).Results:Reproducibility correlation coefficients (Pearson and intraclass) varied between 0.42 for retinol and 0.71 for carbohydrate, with most values falling between 0.50 and 0.60. When compared with repeated 24-hour recalls, the FFQ estimated slightly higher energy (mean 6%) and macronutrient intakes (mean 2–14%), and was within 5% when expressed as a percentage of energy intake. Micronutrients were higher by 1.19 (calcium) to 1.61 times (vitamin C). Unadjusted correlations between the FFQ and the reference method ranged from 0.20 for beta-carotene to 0.86 for alcohol. Cross-classification of nutrients into quartiles showed that 46–48% of participants in the lowest and highest quartiles were jointly classified by both methods. Misclassifications were low for most nutrients with one or two persons misclassified at the extreme quartiles. EI/BMR ratios suggested light to moderate activity levels appropriate for an urban population in a developing country.Conclusions:The FFQ showed reasonable reproducibility and validity and is suitable for estimating the habitual intakes of energy and macronutrients, but was poor for some micronutrients (retinol and beta-carotene).

scholarly journals Development and simulated validation of a food-frequency questionnaire for the Colombian population

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonelo E Bautista ◽  
Oscar F Herrán ◽  
Jane A Pryer
Keyword(s):  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Average Intake ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Using Data

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) useful for ranking of nutrient intakes.DesignSubjects consuming their regular diet completed 7 days of weighed intake registry (7-WIR). Foods for the FFQ were selected by stepwise multiple regression. The FFQ was then completed for each subject using data on individual food consumption from the 7-WIR. The correlation and agreement between the extrapolated FFQ and the 7-WIR data were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (rS) and Bland and Altman's limits of agreement (LOA).SettingBucaramanga, Colombia.SubjectsWe studied 97 randomly selected 20–40-year-old subjects.ResultsSixty foods were selected for the FFQ. The 7-WIR and the extrapolated FFQ intake estimates correlated well. rS was 0.58 for energy, 0.53 for carbohydrate, 0.50 for total fat, and 0.48 for protein. For micronutrients, rS varied from 0.46 (manganese) to 0.71 (vitamin B12). FFQ average intake estimates were 83%, 80%, 86.2% and 86.4% of 7-WIR estimates for energy, carbohydrate, total fat and protein, respectively. LOA for these nutrients ranged between 45% and 165%. FFQ micronutrient intakes were on average 96% (median) of those from the 7-WIR, and the median lower and upper LOA were 50% and 203%. However, there was no indication that the degree of agreement varied with the level of intake.ConclusionsAccording to our simulated validation, this FFQ may be useful to rank subjects by nutrient intake. Its validity against standard independent measurements and its applicability to other subsets of the Colombian population should be carefully considered.

Agreement between a brief food frequency questionnaire and diet records using two statistical methods

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
GL Ambrosini ◽  
NH de Klerk ◽  
AW Musk ◽  
D Mackerras
Keyword(s):  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Asbestos Exposure ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Limits Of Agreement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Diet Records

AbstractObjectiveTo compare intra- and inter-method reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed specifically to measure beta carotene (BC) and retinol intake, using two methods – the limits of agreement (LOA) and the correlation coefficient.DesignA cross-sectional study of dietary intake.SettingA randomized trial of vitamin A supplements in 2769 subjects with past asbestos exposure.SubjectsData from 57 men and 26 women, aged 28–72 years, living in Western Australia.MethodsThe FFQ was administered at baseline (FFQ1) and repeated 1 year later (FFQ2). Four 1-week diet records (DRs) were completed during the year.ResultsMean agreement between FFQ2 and FFQ1 was 120% for BC and 98% for retinol. LOA were 47–306% and 21–459%, respectively. Mean agreement between FFQ2 and the DR was 149% for BC and 63% for retinol; LOA were 50–447% and 11–349%, respectively. Mean agreement and LOA varied across energy intakes. Between the DR and FFQ2, correlation coefficients were 0.36 for BC and 0.51 for retinol. These varied considerably across age, gender and energy intakes and were not in accordance with limits of agreement findings.ConclusionAlthough correlation coefficients were positive and significant, there was less than ideal intra-method and inter-method reliability shown by the limits of agreement method. Bias was uneven across the range of intakes, the LOA were wide and, compared with the DR, the FFQ significantly over-estimated BC and under-estimated retinol. This shows the limitations of calculating correlation coefficients alone, for assessing reliability and validity.

scholarly journals Improvement in dietary intake estimates through the combined use of different approaches

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raíssa do Vale Cardoso LOPES ◽  
Juliana Araújo TEIXEIRA ◽  
Dirce Maria MARCHIONI ◽  
Luisa Lina VILLA ◽  
Anna Regina GIULIANO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Weighted Kappa ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
24 Hour Recall ◽  
Calibration Equations

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to compare dietary intake estimates using two different methodological approaches: use of new portions obtained with the 24-Hour Diet Recall, which was applied in the current study population, and the application of calibration equations, which were estimated using the same 24h-recalls. Methods Calibration equations were estimated using linear regression. The medians and confidence intervals of energy and nutrient intakes were assessed using all the approaches. The U Mann Whitney test was applied to verify differences among dietary intakes obtained with the 24 Hour Recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire-based methods. The correlation between different measures was assessed with Spearman coefficient. Weighted Kappa was used to verify the capability of the Food Frequency Questionnaire -based methods to classify individuals in the same intake levels of the 24 Hour Recall. Results Nine of the eleven components that were analyzed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire with standard portions and calibrated had medians significantly different from those obtained using the 24 Hour Recall; only the measurements of vitamin E and energy were statistically equal. For the Food Frequency Questionnaire with 24 Hour Recall portions, only the medians of vitamin D and B12 did not significantly differ from the 24 Hour Recall medians. Finally, for the Food Frequency Questionnaire with 24 Hour Recall portions and calibrated, all components, except folate and iron, had medians statistically equal to those obtained using the 24 Hour Recall. Spearman correlation coefficients were higher for the Food Frequency Questionnaire with 24 Hour Recall portions calibrated for all the assessed components, and the values ranged from 0.27 (total fat) to 0.57 (iron). Higher Kappa correlation coefficients were found for the Food Frequency Questionnaire 24 Hour Recall portions calibrated. Conclusion Calibrated FFQ with portions estimated from the own target population obtained better estimates of dietary intake, with values considerably more similar to those obtained with the reference method.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Population of Adolescents in Croatia

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Močić Pavić ◽  
Sara Sila ◽  
Tena Niseteo ◽  
Iva Hojsak ◽  
Sanja Kolaček
Keyword(s):  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Nutritional Intake ◽  
Food Record ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Food Frequency

Research background. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is an important method for estimation of dietary intake in epidemiologic studies. The aim of the study was to develop FFQ and evaluate its relative validity for adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old. Experimental approach. FFQ was developed from previously validated Youth/Adolescent diet questionnaire (YAQ) by modifying it in order to include Croatian national foods. The final version of the FFQ (FFQ-m) was composed of 87 food items. The reference method was a set of two 3 day food records (3D-FR) administered twice during the 3 non-consecutive days, one month apart. The FFQ-m was administered approximately on the last day of the second applied dietary food record. Adolescents were recruited from randomly selected elementary and high schools in urban and rural areas of Croatia. FFQ-m was validated on a sample of 84 adolescents (70.2 % female). Nutritional intake from FFQ-m was analysed by Microsoft Office Excel 2007 worksheet derived from the PRODI 5.7 software database, while nutritional intake from 3D-FR was estimated using PRODI 5.7 software. Spearman correlation coefficients (r) and Bland-Altman method were used to assess validity of FFQ-m compared to 3D-FR. Anthropometric parameters were assessed in 78 adolescents. Results and conclusions. The mean nutrient intakes estimated by FFQ-m were higher than those of the 3D-FR. The average correlation coefficients for energy and nutrients in our validation study was 0.40. On average, 76.5 % of adolescents were classified in the same or adjacent quartile of nutrient intake. Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement with all macronutrients and some micronutrients (sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron). A simple self-administrated questionnaire completed by adolescents is a valid tool for measuring energy and nutrient intake among adolescent population. Novelty and scientific contribution. This is the first FFQ developed and validated for population of adolescents in Croatia.

scholarly journals Trends in food intakes in Swedish adults 1986–1999: findings from the Northern Sweden MONICA (Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease) Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 628-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benno Krachler ◽  
Mats CE Eliasson ◽  
Ingegerd Johansson ◽  
G/ran Hallmans ◽  
Bernt Lindahl
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Northern Sweden ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Disease Study ◽  
Root Vegetables

AbstractObjectiveTo determine changes in reported food frequency in adults between 1986 and 1999.DesignFour consecutive cross-sectional surveys.SettingCounties of Norrbotten and Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.SubjectsThe Northern Sweden MONICA (Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease) population, four independent cross-sectional surveys in 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1999. Randomly selected age-stratified samples of the population aged 25–64 years. Analysis is based on 2982 males and 3087 females who completed an 84-item food-frequency questionnaire.ResultsBetween 1986 and 1999, average reported consumption of 3%-fat milk decreased from 42 to 7 intakes month-1 in men and from 28 to 4 intakes month-1 in women. Reported use of 1.5%-fat milk increased from 6 to 27 intakes month-1 in men and from 6 to 24 in women. Monthly intakes of potatoes and root vegetables decreased from 38 to 27 in men and from 39 to 32 in women. Consumption of pasta increased from 4 to 7 intakes month-1 in both sexes. Intakes of solid fats with 80% fat content dropped from 92 to 62 per month in men and from 78 to 52 per month in women, whereas use of 40%-fat spread increased from 12 to 22 intakes month-1 in men and from 5 to 26 in women. Monthly intakes of vegetable oil increased from 3 to 12 in men and from 3 to 15 in women. The percentage of overweight or obese individuals (body mass index >25 kg m-2) increased from 52 to 65% in men and from 41 to 52% in women (P for linear trend in all these changes, <0.001).ConclusionsOur data indicate reduced consumption of foods with a high content of saturated fats. In spite of that, there is an unbroken trend towards increased obesity.

scholarly journals Validity of carbohydrate, glycaemic index and glycaemic load data obtained using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 573-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Winston Barclay ◽  
Victoria Mary Flood ◽  
Jennie Cecile Brand-Miller ◽  
Paul Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Weighted Kappa ◽  
Glycaemic Index ◽  
Total Carbohydrate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Linear Trend ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Glycaemic Load ◽  
Good Agreement

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the ability of a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to rank Australians according to their intake of total carbohydrate, sugar, starch, fibre, glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL).DesignCross-sectional sample from a population cohort.SettingTwo postcode areas west of Sydney, Australia.SubjectsFrom 1992 to 1994, a total of 2868 older Australians provided dietary data using a 145-item Willett-derived FFQ. A representative sub-sample of 78 subjects completed three 4-day weighed food records (WFRs). Pearson and Spearman correlations, Bland–Altman plots and weighted kappa values were calculated.ResultsCompared with the WFR, the FFQ provided higher mean estimates of all nutrients except starch and GI. All Pearson and/or Spearman correlations were greater than 0.5, except for GL. For GI, sugar, starch and fibre, the regression lines from the Bland–Altman analysis indicated a non-significant linear trend (P = 0.07, P = 0.36, P = 0.28 and P = 0.10, respectively). For GL and total carbohydrate, however, there was a significant linear trend (P = 0.006 and P < 0.0001, respectively), indicating that as the GL and carbohydrate intake of individuals increased, so did the magnitude of the error between the FFQ and WFR. Weighted kappa values all indicated moderate to good agreement, with the exception of GL which was only fair. The proportions of subjects correctly classified within one quintile for all of the nutrients were over 50% and gross misclassification was low (<10%).ConclusionThis FFQ was able to rank individuals according to their intakes of total carbohydrate, sugar, starch, fibre and GI, but not as well for GL.

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