Abstract
BackgroundFood Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) are commonly used in epidemiologic studies to assess long-term nutritional exposure. Because of wide variations in dietary habits in different countries, a FFQ must be developed to suit the specific population. Sri Lanka is undergoing nutritional transition and diet-related chronic diseases are emerging as an important health problem. Currently, no FFQ has been developed for Sri Lankan adults. In this study, we developed a FFQ to assess the regular dietary intake of Sri Lankan adults.MethodsA nationally representative sample of 600 adults was selected by a multi-stage random cluster sampling technique and dietary intake was assessed by random 24-h dietary recall. Nutrient analysis of the FFQ required the selection of foods, development of recipes and application of these to cooked foods to develop a nutrient database. We constructed a comprehensive food list with the units of measurement. A stepwise regression method was used to identify foods contributing to a cumulative 90% of variance to total energy and macronutrients. In addition, a series of photographs were included.ResultsWe obtained dietary data from 482 participants and 312 different food items were recorded. Nutritionists grouped similar food items which resulted in a total of 178 items. After performing step-wise multiple regression, 93 foods explained 90% of the variance for total energy intake, carbohydrates, protein, total fat and dietary fibre. Finally, 90 food items and 12 photographs were selected.ConclusionWe developed a FFQ and the related nutrient composition database for Sri Lankan adults. Culturally specific dietary tools are central to capturing the role of diet in risk for chronic disease in Sri Lanka. The next step will involve the verification of FFQ reproducibility and validity.
Highlights
Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) are commonly used in epidemiologic studies to assess long-term nutritional exposure
Recent studies in Sri Lanka indicate a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus with one in every five adults aged above 20 years having either diabetes or pre-diabetes [9], and the prevalence of hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia in urban areas are reaching epidemic proportions [10,11]
This paper describes the development of a FFQ for Sri Lankan adults designed to assess and monitor dietary intake and be used to assist in national level programs to combat non-communicable diseases
Summary
Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) are commonly used in epidemiologic studies to assess long-term nutritional exposure. Because of wide variations in dietary habits in different countries, a FFQ must be developed to suit the specific population. Sri Lanka is undergoing nutritional transition and diet-related chronic diseases are emerging as an important health problem. We developed a FFQ to assess the regular dietary intake of Sri Lankan adults. It is widely recognized that an unhealthy diet is a major risk factor for many of the chronic non-communicable diseases and improving dietary habits is not an individual but a societal problem [1]. Recent studies in Sri Lanka indicate a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus with one in every five adults aged above 20 years having either diabetes or pre-diabetes [9], and the prevalence of hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia in urban areas are reaching epidemic proportions [10,11]. In the Sri Lankan context, diet-related chronic diseases currently account for an estimated 18.3% of total mortality and 16.7% of hospital expenditure [7]
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