Accuracy by meal component of fourth-graders’ school lunch recalls is less when obtained during a 24-hour recall than as a single meal

Abstract

This retrospective analysis compared accuracy by meal component of fourth-graders’ school lunch recalls (Study 1) to the school lunch portion of 24-hour recalls (Study 2). For Study 1, 148 children were randomly selected, observed eating school lunch, and interviewed about lunch the previous day. For Study 2, 104 children were randomly selected, observed eating school breakfast and school lunch, and interviewed to obtain a 24-hour recall of the previous day. Results indicated that omission and intrusion rates for every meal component were greater for Study 2 than Study 1. The cognitive burden of recalling items eaten at school lunch as part of a 24-hour recall is greater than that of recalling school lunch items as a single meal and thus negatively impacts fourth-graders’ ability to report their intake. Validated studies are needed to guide the development of interview protocols which maximize the accuracy of children’s dietary recalls.