Validation and reproducibility of a semi-quantitative FFQ as a measure of dietary intake in adults from Puerto Rico

Abstract

Objective We aimed to assess the relative validity and reproducibility of a semi-quantitative FFQ in Puerto Rican adults. Design Participants completed an FFQ, followed by a 6 d food record and a second administration of the FFQ, 30 d later. All nutrients were log transformed and adjusted for energy intake. Statistical analyses included correlations, paired t tests, cross-classification and Bland–Altman plots. Setting Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico. Subjects Convenience sample of students, employees and faculty members (n 100, ≥21 years). Data were collected in 2010. Results A total of ninety-two participants completed the study. Most were young overweight females. All nutrients were significantly correlated between the two FFQ, with an average correlation of 0·61 (range 0·43–0·73) and an average difference of 4·8 % between them. Most energy-adjusted nutrients showed significant correlations between the FFQ and food record, which improved with de-attenuation and averaged 0·38 (range 0·11–0·63). The lowest non-significant correlations (≤0·20) were for trans-fat, n 3 fatty acids, thiamin and vitamin E. Intakes assessed by the FFQ were higher than those from the food record by a mean of 19 % (range 4–44 %). Bland–Altman plots showed that there was a systematic trend towards higher estimates with the FFQ, particularly for energy, carbohydrate and Ca. Most participants were correctly classified into the same or adjacent quintile (average 66 %) by both methods with only 3 % gross misclassification. Conclusions This semi-quantitative FFQ is a tool that offers relatively valid and reproducible estimates of energy and certain nutrients in this group of mostly female Puerto Ricans.

Validity and reliability of a dish-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for assessment of energy and nutrient intake among Iranian adults

“…Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are widely used to assess dietary patterns in different societies. FFQs, especially food-based FFQs (FFFQs), are reliable tools which can be easily used in countries whose dietary patterns are based on single foods rather than mixed dishes [6][7][8]. Dish-based FFQs (DFFQ) may have several advantages over FFFQs in the societies whose dietary practices are different from western countries.…”

Diet, Pre-pregnancy BMI, and Gestational Weight Gain in Puerto Rican Women

“…A valid semi-quantitative FFQ was used to assess dietary patterns [24, 25]. This FFQ had 193 items, in which participants were asked to estimate the frequency of consumption (at home and away from home) of each item daily, weekly, monthly or never.…”

“…For meats and fish, frequency of consumption was categorized as “<2 per week or ≥2 per week”, as these food items are recommended about 2 times per week. More details are provided elsewhere [24, 25]. …”

Comparison of Dietary Quality Among Puerto Ricans Living in Massachusetts and Puerto Rico

“…Dietary intake was assessed with the Multicultural Food Frequency Questionnaire, adapted for Puerto Ricans (9), and diet quality was calculated using the HEI-2010 (10). The following components are scored from 0–5: total fruits, whole fruits, total vegetables, greens and beans, total protein and seafood and plant proteins.…”