Cross-cultural adaptation and reproducibility of the EPIC-Norfolk food frequency questionnaire in young people living in Croatia

Abstract

Aim To translate and adapt the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for use in Croatia, and to assess the reliability and reproducibility of the Croatian version of the EPIC-Norfolk FFQ. Methods Translation and cross-cultural adaptation were performed according to published recommendations. Reliability was assessed in 140 respondents (61 men; age range 8-40 years) divided into three groups: young adults, pregnant women, and children and adolescents. Reproducibility was assessed in the group of young adults (32/61 men), who completed the questionnaire on two occasions three months apart. Results The EPIC-Norfolk FFQ showed good reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.874). Most nutrient intakes showed good reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] between 0.7 and 0.9). Poor reproducibility was observed for alcohol (ICC = 0.337), and moderate reproducibility was observed for beta-carotene (ICC = 0.692) and total carbohydrates (ICC = 0.698). Nutrient intakes measured by FFQ on two occasions did not significantly differ. Conclusion The Croatian version of the EPIC-Norfolk FFQ can be a useful tool for assessing dietary intakes in young people in Croatia and possibly in neighboring countries with similar languages and dietary habits.