Introduction. Most dietary questionnaires are not created for use in a clinical setting for an adult health exam. We created the Healthy Eating Vital Sign (HEVS) to assess eating behaviors associated with excess weight. This study investigated the validity and reliability of the HEVS. Methods. Using a cross-sectional study design, participants responded to the HEVS and the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (BFFQ). We analyzed the data descriptively, and, with Pearson's correlation and Cronbach coefficient alpha. Results. We found moderate correlation (rho > 0.3) between multiple items of the HEVS and BFFQ. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.49. Conclusion. Our results support the criterion validity and internal reliability of the HEVS as compared to the BFFQ. The HEVS can help launch a dialogue between patients and providers to monitor and potentially manage dietary behaviors associated with many chronic health conditions, including obesity.

No relationships reported)PURPOSE: To determine whether food and fluid intake influences the ability of runners to finish a 160 km desert ultramarathon.METHODS: 15 (10 male, 5 female) consenting runners in the Javelina Jundred 100 Mile trail run (Fountain Hills, AZ) participated in the study. The course consisted of 6.5 loops on a gently rolling single track and jeep trail through the desert. Temperature did not exceed 28º C. Body mass was measured immediately pre-race and at the completion of each 15.4 mile loop on a calibrated digital scale. A multipronged approach maximized accuracy of food and fluid intake. Subjects provided a nutrition plan pre-race, were interviewed at the completion of each loop, and reviewed race diet logs for completeness and accuracy ~ one week post-race. Race diets were analyzed using Nutritionist Pro software. Pre-and post-race data comparisons were made using paired t tests and unpaired t tests evaluated differences between finishers and non-finishers. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 PURPOSE:We assessed the validity of a 10-item nutrition assessment designed for use in primary care titled the Healthy Eating Vital Sign (HEVS), by comparing it to a criterion measure of habitual dietary intake. METHODS:Participants were men (n=4) and women (n=54) employed as staff at primary care clinics. A criterion food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was completed with reference to usual dietary habits over the past year. Then participants were administered the HEVS. The HEVS asks frequency of eating restaurant or fast food, non-diet soda, juice or punch, vegetables, and fruits in the past week or day and in a typical week or day. The response format of HEVS ranges from 0 to 7 or > 7. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between the FFQ and the 10 HEVS questions. RESULTS:Participants were 37.7±11.2 years; most were Caucasian and 42% self-identified as Latino ethnicity. The table presents significant relationships between FFQ (rows) and HEVS (columns) measures. All reported correlations are significant at p<.05 (NS=non-significant). A pattern emerged such that FFQ fat intake correlated with HEVS frequency of eating restaurant food and drinking non-diet soda. FFQ sugar intake correlated with HEVS soda and juice or punch intake. Finally, FFQ vegetable and fruit fiber and number of servings correlated with HEVS frequency of eating vegetables and fruits. CONCLUSIONS:Our results demonstrate evidence of criterion validity of the HEVS. Funded in part by DHHS Office on Women's Health (

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