Background
Paper-based estimated food diaries are often used in research to collect dietary data, despite this method being burdensome for both participants and researchers. Such food diaries are often time consuming, labour intensive, and rely on participant literacy and therefore may lead to greater rates of under-reporting.
Methods
This study assessed the validity of the ‘Boden Food Plate’, a novel web-based electronic application, compared to a paper-based three-day estimated food diary. Participants were also asked to rate their satisfaction with the new electronic diary. Sixty seven participants completed both the electronic and paper-based diaries at two different time-points.
Results
Baseline BMI of participants (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) was 30.4 ± 2.9 kg/m2, body weight was 87.6 ± 13.4 kg, and age was 42.3 ± 7.7 years. Fifty four percent (n=41) of the cohort were female. Bland Altman plots for total energy, and percentage of total energy intake from fat, carbohydrate, and protein, indicated that the two methods of dietary data collection were in agreement. Participants rated the electronic food diary as easier to use and more fun than the traditional paper-based estimated food diary.
Conclusion
These results show that the Boden Food Plate would be as valid and reliable as current data collection methods and is therefore a practical, and easier, means of collecting data on dietary energy and macronutrient for future studies.
Funding
None