Web-Based 24-h Dietary Recall: The SACANA Program

Abstract

In research, dietary intake data are mainly assessed using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (semi-, quantitative), 24-h dietary recall (repeated, 24HDR) or food diary/records (repeated). In the USA, a Web-based automated, self-administered 24HDR was shown to be a low-cost method for collecting accurate dietary intake information, but no such instrument was available for Europe. In I.Family, we developed a Web-based automated, self-administered 24HDR for large-scale assessment of dietary intake data in children, adolescents and their families across Europe. The Self-Administered Children, Adolescents and Adults Nutrition Assessment (SACANA) program used in the I.Family study is able to assess the absolute nutrient and energy intake, the per cent contribution from foods and drinks to total energy and nutrient intake, as well as portion sizes and food groups among the children and their families. Further, place and time of all eating and snacking occasions during the past 24 h as well as eating in company and simultaneous eating activities (e.g., reading, TV watching) can be reported. The program collects self-reported dietary data in individuals from 11 years of age and above, with parental assistance at younger ages. In order to reduce errors in portion size estimation, in food composition tables and incomplete recalls the program offers features such as photo-assisted correct portion size estimation, multiple plausibility checks and reminding questions. The instrument was found to collect reproducible and valid data. SACANA is a reproducible, validated and suitable self-administered instrument for obtaining Web-based 24HDR data from children, adolescents and adults in large-scale studies across Europe.