The validation of a home food inventory
2008

Validation of a Home Food Inventory

Sample size: 393 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Jayne A Fulkerson, Melissa C Nelson, Leslie Lytle, Stacey Moe, Carrie Heitzler, Keryn E Pasch

Primary Institution: University of Minnesota

Hypothesis

The study aims to develop and validate a home food inventory that is easily completed by research participants and includes a comprehensive range of foods associated with obesity.

Conclusion

The new home food inventory is valid, participant-friendly, and may be useful for community-based behavioral nutrition and obesity prevention research.

Supporting Evidence

  • Kappa statistics for all food categories indicated substantial agreement.
  • Sensitivity ranged from 0.69 to 0.89, and specificity ranged from 0.86 to 0.95.
  • Correlations between the HFI scores and food group servings were all significant.

Takeaway

Researchers created a checklist to help people see what food they have at home, which can help understand eating habits and obesity.

Methodology

The study involved two samples: one with 51 adults for criterion validity testing and another with 342 families for construct validity testing, using a home food inventory and dietary recalls.

Potential Biases

Participants may have altered their responses since research staff were present in their homes.

Limitations

The study did not assess test-retest reliability and may not generalize to less educated or minority populations.

Participant Demographics

Sample 1 consisted of 51 adults, predominantly female and mostly white; Sample 2 included 342 families with a mix of parents and students, primarily white.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-5-55

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication