total number of food records analysed
Answers
Explanation:
Food records (also called dietary records or dietary diaries) collect data on dietary intake by subjects' self-record over a specified period. This dietary assessment approach does not rely on individual's memory since respondents are asked to record foods and beverages as they are consumed throughout the reporting day (a “real-time” accounting). Duration of the survey depends on the study aim and the desired level of precision in estimating food consumption or nutrient intake. To assure accurate and detailed data, respondents must be trained to record adequately the food items consumed, including the name of the food, amount consumed, preparation methods, brand names of commercially available products, recipes of composite dishes, as well as other particularities of interest (Van Staveren et al., 2012). Additional data regarding the time and location of consumption, parallel activity, and the presence of other people could be useful for the interpretation of an individual's eating pattern and social context of diet. Traditionally, food records capture information in an open-ended manner and accommodate any food consumed by the participant with an unlimited level of specificity and detail in the dietary intake description (Willet, 2013). This highly flexible method for dietary intake assessment could be applied in diverse groups with various lifestyle and eating habits.
Comprehensive written instructions should be given to respondents, ideally combined with face-to-face explanation, assistance, and advice. It has been shown that debriefing sessions with a nutritionist improves the quality of the obtained data (Cantwell et al., 2006). Therefore, at the end of the recording period, trained professional should review the record with the participant to clarify potential omissions and ambiguities, probe for additional information or make necessary changes (Thompson and Byers, 1994).
There are two types of food records based on the way quantification of food items is performed—estimated and weighted. An individual undertaking an estimated food diary records portion sizes and the amount of food consumed using standard household measurements, natural unit sizes, weight/volume from the packaging and labels, or according to provided portion sizes. In a weighted record, a subject weights foods and beverages prior to consumption, as well as any leftovers, and records detailed description of all the items and their weights in the recording sheet. Weighted food records provide precise food amount quantification, but are more expensive and demanding for the participant. Both methods require participants to be literate, skilled in numeration, trained before recording, and highly motivated. These requirements may cause a response bias due to overrepresentation of diet- and health-aware individuals. A common concern is that the usual eating patterns may be changed or influenced by the recording process and self-monitoring. Alteration of dietary behavior while keeping the food record (called reactivity) may occur unintentionally (through self-reflection) or intentionally (when respondents try to camouflage poor eating habits or avoid the recording burden) (Margetts and Nelson, 1997; Willet, 2013). If multiple days of intake per individual are needed to satisfy research questions, adherence to recording protocol and the reporting accuracy may be even more compromised, due to fatigue and decreased motivation. Furthermore, there is the risk that respondents develop the practice of filling out the record retrospectively rather than at the time of intake (Shim et al., 2014; Thompson and Subar, 2013).