Abstract
Obesity prevalence is higher in children with developmental disabilities as compared to their typically developing peers. Research on dietary intake assessment methods in this vulnerable population is lacking. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and compare the nutrient intakes of two technology-based dietary assessment methods in children with-and-without developmental disabilities. This cross-sectional feasibility study was an added aim to a larger pilot study. Children (n = 12; 8–18 years) diagnosed with spina bifida, Down syndrome, or without disability were recruited from the larger study sample, stratified by diagnosis. Participants were asked to complete six days of a mobile food record (mFR™), a 24-h dietary recall via FaceTime® (24 HR-FT), and a post-study survey. Analysis included descriptive statistics for survey results and a paired samples t-test for nutrient intakes. All participants successfully completed six days of dietary assessment using both methods and acceptability was high. Energy (kcal) and protein (g) intake was significantly higher for the mFR™ as compared to the 24 HR-FT (p = 0.041; p = 0.014, respectively). Each method had strengths and weaknesses. The two technology-based dietary assessment tools were well accepted and when combined could increase accuracy of self-reported dietary assessment in children with-and-without disability.
Highlights
Assessment of an individual’s dietary intake is an essential component of the prevention and treatment of an abnormal weight status [1]
The mFRTM and 24 HR-FT dietary assessment methods were both well accepted by children with and without developmental disabilities
While our team did not preview the TADATM images prior to the subsequent 24 HR-FT, deliberately replicating the sequence of these two methods and using the 24 HR-FT to complement the mFRTM could be extremely valuable and is recommended for future studies
Summary
Assessment of an individual’s dietary intake is an essential component of the prevention and treatment of an abnormal weight status [1]. The interest in dietary assessment has heightened as the prevalence of obesity has increased. There is a lack of testing and development of tools focusing on children with developmental disabilities [4]. This is a critical oversight as the prevalence of obesity is often higher in children with developmental disabilities as compared to children who are typically developing [5]. Recommended assessment methods for dietary intake in children vary based on the child’s age and who is reporting [2,4]. Conclusions from a systematic review identified that the 24-h dietary recall
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