Introduction to Human Nutrition

258 Introduction to Human Nutrition

The information on meal patterns obtained from
such questionnaires is, however, more limited than
that which can be obtained from a dietary history.
Additional questions, if included, can provide some
information on cooking methods.
Some food frequency questionnaires also attempt
to quantify the frequency information by obtaining
data on portion size. Information on the quantity
of each food consumed may be obtained by asking
respondents to indicate on the questionnaire whether
their usual portions are small, medium, or large
relative to those eaten by others, by asking subjects to
describe their usual portion size in terms of a stan-
dard portion size described on the questionnaire
(semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire), or
by reference to a picture atlas of food portions, food
models, or actual food portions (quantitative food
frequency questionnaire). When portion sizes are
used, it is important that these refl ect the consump-
tion patterns of the population.
Food frequency questionnaires are mainly used in
studies designed to look for associations between
food intake and disease or risk of disease, particularly
when specifi c foods rather than the level of consump-
tion of a nutrient are thought to be the important

factor. Since the cost of administration and respon-

dent burden are relatively low, they are suitable for

use when sample sizes are large, particularly if a postal

method is used.

The success of a food frequency questionnaire

depends on how closely the food list and portion size

descriptions refl ect the food patterns of the target

population. This is sometimes referred to as being

culture sensitive. Much time and care must be put

into the development of a food frequency question-

naire in order to ensure that it provides an accurate

refl ection of the dietary intakes of a population. Pre-

liminary studies, using 24 hour recalls, food records,

or indirect methods may be needed to obtain infor-

mation on food items, frequency of consumption,

and portion sizes in the target population. Since food

frequency questionnaires are usually developed for

use in specifi c target populations, a food frequency

questionnaire developed for use in one population

may not be appropriate for use with another popula-

tion with different food intake patterns. It is also

extremely important that the questionnaire be tested

for repeatability and validity in the target population

before being used, even if it has been tested in a

different population.

Please completely fill one oval in every line.

N

E

V

E

R

1

time

per month per week per day

Please MARK LIKE THIS:

2

times

3 or

more

times

1

time

2

times

3 or 4

times

5 or 6

times

Less

than

once

1–3

times

Flavoured milk drink (cocoa, Milo™ etc.)

Nuts

Peanut butter or peanut paste

Corn chips, potato crisps, Twisties™ etc.

Jam, marmalade, honey or syrups

Vegemite™, Marmite™ or Promite™

Cheese

Ice cream

Yoghurt

Beef

Veal

Chicken

Lamb

Pork

Bacon

Dairy products, meats and fish

Figure 10.5 Typical layout of a food frequency questionnaire suitable for optical scanning (reproduced with permission of Anti Cancer Council
of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia).