Abstract
BackgroundDietary assessment is complex, and strategies to select the most appropriate dietary assessment tool (DAT) in epidemiological research are needed. The DIETary Assessment Tool NETwork (DIET@NET) aimed to establish expert consensus on Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) for dietary assessment using self-report.MethodsThe BPGs were developed using the Delphi technique. Two Delphi rounds were conducted. A total of 131 experts were invited, and of these 65 accepted, with 48 completing Delphi round I and 51 completing Delphi round II. In all, a total of 57 experts from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia commented on the 47 suggested guidelines.ResultsForty-three guidelines were generated, grouped into the following four stages: Stage I. Define what is to be measured in terms of dietary intake (what? who? and when?); Stage II. Investigate different types of DATs; Stage III. Evaluate existing tools to select the most appropriate DAT by evaluating published validation studies; Stage IV. Think through the implementation of the chosen DAT and consider sources of potential biases.ConclusionsThe Delphi technique consolidated expert views on best practice in assessing dietary intake. The BPGs provide a valuable guide for health researchers to choose the most appropriate dietary assessment method for their studies. These guidelines will be accessible through the Nutritools website, www.nutritools.org.
Highlights
Dietary assessment is complex, and strategies to select the most appropriate dietary assessment tool (DAT) in epidemiological research are needed
This paper summarises the process of developing the Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs), as well as the guidelines themselves, with brief explanations of the statements and guidance for their use
An initial set of minimum requirements for quality standards was prepared based on the literature including population studied, dietary intake measurement, tool choice, nutrient information and aspects relating to analysis and validation of tools [14]
Summary
Strategies to select the most appropriate dietary assessment tool (DAT) in epidemiological research are needed. Accurate assessment of dietary exposure is challenging [1] due to differences between populations and the amount and kind of food consumed, which varies day to day between and within study participants and over the life course. Key challenges for self-reported dietary assessment tools (DATs) relate to measurement error and validation of methods, and it has been acknowledged that none of the dietary assessment methods available for measuring. Development of strategies that support researchers to choose the most appropriate dietary assessment method will help to strengthen research in this field and the quality of findings underpinning diet and disease relationships
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
