Use of the Automated Self‐administered 24‐hour Recall (ASA24) in the Real World

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the use of NCI's ASA24 in real‐world studies.MethodsDescriptive statistics were generated to summarize usage characteristics across studies using 2014 versions of ASA24.ResultsSince Feb. 2014, 319 studies had registered to use ASA24, 10% of which requested ASA24‐Kids. The percentages of studies using the following setup options were: 88% ‐ allowed unscheduled logins; 60% ‐ completion of recalls from midnight‐to‐midnight vs. past 24‐hrs; 73% ‐ allowed multiple vs. single logins; 68% ‐ completion time restricted to 24 vs. 32 hrs. The percentages of studies including optional questions were: 49% ‐ dietary supplements; 82% ‐ location of meals; 46% ‐whom meals were eaten with; 45% ‐ use of TV/computer/mobile phone during meals; 35% ‐ source of foods consumed. Nearly all recalls were completed after a single login; mean times to complete recalls with and without supplement questions was 32 and 23 minutes, respectively. Mean number of foods and beverages reported/day was 13. Mean and median number of participants/study was 509 and 72, respectively (range: 1‐100,000); mean and median number of recalls per participant was 8 and 3, respectively (range 1‐335). Most researchers (90%) were affiliated with academic institutions or government agencies. About 37% of studies had research funding; 14% were NIH‐funded. Two‐thirds of studies are using ASA24 for epidemiologic, intervention or clinical research.ConclusionASA24 is being used by a diversity of researchers in a variety of ways to meet their research and teaching needs. Funding: NCI.