Quality assurance during data processing of food and nutrient intakes

Abstract

The Food Surveys Research Group (FSRG) is responsible for methods of data collection and processing of dietary intake data, including the What We Eat in America Survey, which is the dietary interview component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Many measures have been implemented to ensure accuracy of the dietary data, such as a state-of-the-art data collection instrument and an extensive food and nutrient database. Also important, but usually receiving less public attention is the quality assurance taking place during data processing. A four-part quality assurance procedure is used for food intake data processed by FSRG. This includes (1) determination of overall acceptability of each 24-h recall, (2) resolution of new or unusual foods and amounts, (3) administration of data integrity checks, and (4) verification of 24-h recalls with extremely high nutrient intakes. Quality assurance not only contributes to the accuracy and validity of a specific set of dietary intake data, it also benefits future studies because findings help identify areas to target for interviewer training or for improvements in data collection and processing procedures.