[Table/Fig-1]:
Strengths and limitations of different methods of dietary intake assessment
Method | Description | Strengths | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|
Household consumption and expenditure survey (HCES) | Detailed information on household expenditure for a month is collected and percapita expenditure on food is calculated from this | For large ecological studies | Based on recall Price of food items may fluctuate over the survey period complicate computing Errors in reporting (recall and deliberate) |
Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) | Participant asked the frequency of consumption (daily, weekly, monthly) of the different foods listed in the questionnaire | Easy to administer Can cover a large sample in a short time Can be admini stered by non-specialised person | Errors in estimating potion size Over-reporting or underreporting of more expensive foods (which are thought to be healthy) |
24 Hour recall | The respondent (individual or for a family) is asked to remember food items intake (type and quantity) in the previous day | More accurate than the FFQ method Not very difficult to administer | Retrospective method and relies on memory. Cannot be validated. One day may not be representative. Can be considered intrusive. |
Three day weighment | All the food weighed before preparing | High quality data | Needs a trained worker Time consuming Only a small sample can be covered Can be considered intrusive High respondent motivation to participate. |
Food record/diary (the current study) | All the foods and their potion size recorded and quantity measured using standardised cups/spoons | Relatively more accurate to get total food prepared, consumed and intra-family consumption. | Researcher and respondent fatigue if done for a prolonged period Relies on memory and on respondent’s statement |