Validity of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire for Toddlers
Author Information
Author(s): Gonzalez-Palacios Sandra, Ojeda-Belokon Carolina, Oncina-Canovas Alejandro, Compañ-Gabucio Laura-María, Pastor-Fajardo María-Teresa, Pérez Adrian, Gázquez Antonio, Larqué Elvira, Morales Eva, Vioque Jesús
Primary Institution: Unidad de Epidemiología de la Nutrición (EPINUT), Universidad Miguel Hernández
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for assessing nutrient and food intakes in 18-month-old children.
Conclusion
The short FFQ demonstrated moderate reproducibility and validity for dietary assessment of most nutrients and foods in 18-month-old children in Spain.
Supporting Evidence
- The average correlation coefficient for FFQ reproducibility was r = 0.48 for energy-adjusted nutrient intakes.
- The average correlation coefficient for FFQ validity on nutrient intakes was r = 0.48.
- Significant correlations were found between fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acids in oral mucosa cells.
Takeaway
This study shows that a short questionnaire can help parents understand what their toddlers eat, making it easier to check if they are getting the right nutrients.
Methodology
The study included 103 toddlers aged 18 months, using a 47-item FFQ administered twice and three 24-hour dietary recalls to assess dietary intake.
Potential Biases
Parental recall may introduce bias, and the reliance on self-reported data can affect accuracy.
Limitations
The accuracy of dietary assessments may be influenced by parental memory and the short 3-month period may not fully capture dietary changes.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Caucasian and Spanish origin toddlers aged 18 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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