Abstract:
The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) method is utilized
as a tool in epidemiological studies in which evidence is sought for an association
of diet in etiology of a disease. Limited studies have been undertaken to assess
the reproducibility of the FFQ methodology in Indian situation. The present
study was conducted in an urban middle-income population of Delhi, India. The
data on pattern of consumption of food items in standard food groups was collected
from 169 subjects, utilizing a pre-tested semi-structured FFQ (Phase I). The
consumption pattern of food items in the major food groups was also assessed
prospectively for 7 days by the 24-hr dietary recall methodology in each subject.
The data was collected again utilizing the similar methodology and tools from
the same study subjects after 12 months (Phase II). Reproducibility and validity
of the FFQ was assessed by calculating percent agreement between data of Phase
I and Phase II utilizing statistical tests. Results revealed that there was
a perfect agreement (100% agreement) for the food group i) cereals, ii) fats
and oils, and iii) sugar and jaggery. A very good agreement (75-100%) for the
food groups i) pulses, ii) green leafy vegetables, iii) fruits, iv) milk products,
v) eggs, and vi) flesh foods. Only a good agreement (50 – 75%) was found for
the food groups i) roots and tubers, ii) other vegetables, and iii) milk. None
of the food groups had fair or poor agreement between the Phase I and Phase
II.
Umesh Kapil , Priyali Pathak , Preeti Singh and Sada Nand Dwivedi , 2003. Reproducibility and Validity of the Food Frequency Questionnaire Methodology
in an Urban Middle Income Group Community of Delhi, India . Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2: 33-35.
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