Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Researchers explored several approaches to assessing, modifying and evaluating food practices related to dietary intakes of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods in older adults. Researchers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, Vermont, and Minnesota have been meeting and conferencing over a 5 month period to develop a cognitive interviewing approach to identify food choice factors targeting whole grains. Questions will look at dietary patterns, specific foods chosen, label use, and barriers and motivators that influence consumption of whole grains. Massachusetts researchers are developing a community garden program for older adults in Leominster, MA to explore the impact of a community garden on dietary intake and physical activity. Through this project, we will look at the benefits and barriers of such an activity as well as dietary changes that may result. A survey was administered to household members that asks background information on gardening history
and expectations and select demographic variables. A 7-item fruit and vegetable screener was administered to capture usual intake and a 24-hour recall provided an estimate of the previous days intake. Respondents were also asked to identify the source of each food (supermarket, friend, restaurant, garden-grown, other) to assess the impact that the community garden foods might have on the respondents overall diet. To assess methods used and outcomes achieved from nutrition education programs in older adults, a review explored 39 nutrition education programs for older adults published between 1994 and 2004. Two frameworks, the United States General Accounting Office (GAO) and the Program-Logic Model (University of Wisconsin, Division of Cooperative Extension, 2002) were used to identify themes in these nutrition education programs and assess their effectiveness. Overall, programs that appeared to have greater inputs led to longer-term outcomes. Low-input programs led to short-term
outcomes in those studies included. Nutrition educators from the University of Massachusetts Extension Nutrition Education Program have been working to develop a training manual based on the nutrition and food safety education needs of adult day health programs participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The manual was revised and expanded to gear it specifically to adult day care programs and includes information on basic nutrition information such as the latest recommendations for older adults based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and USDA Pyramid, special nutrition needs of older adults, planning healthful meals, food safety, cultural diversity, and resources for staff and caregivers. Future plans include creating supplemental fact sheets for older adults and caregivers, distributing the manual and supplemental materials to adult day health programs, developing a website, and conducting regional training sessions for adult day health program staff. Brief
evaluation instruments will be developed for this and other training programs in the Northeast, to assess outputs and outcomes related to staff and consumer training.
Impacts
Identification of factors leading to whole grain food choice decisions in older adults; evaluation of field interventions related to whole grains; development and use of effective nutrition education interventions to increase whole grain consumption in older adults; and improved whole grain consumption in older adults.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Dietary intake and nutritional risk in food secure and food insecure older food pantry recipients has been examined by researchers at the University of Massachusetts in collaboration with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Sixty-three participants over the age of 55 from 13 food pantries (FP) and 8 Brown Bag for Elder (BBFE) pantry sites in Western Massachusetts were interviewed. Dietary intakes were obtained using the 24-hour diet recall; food security was measured using an adapted 6-item Food Security Scale, demographic and health data were recorded along with a fruit and vegetable screener and a modified DETERMINE screen. Male FP recipients were more likely to be food insecure and at high DETERMINE risk than females. Similarly, younger-old FP recipients (ages 55-70) were more likely to be food insecure and at high DETERMINE risk than participants over age 70. In an effort to understand the impact food pantries have on the overall diets of their clients, these
participants were questioned about the source of each food item reported in the 24-hour recall. Food sources were categorized as: 1) grocery store, 2) family member or friend, 3) restaurant, 4) food pantries that included the BBFE program, and 5) other. Using the nutrient analysis data from the recalls, a mean total energy intake (kcalories) was calculated for the group as a whole, by food source, and by sex and food security within each food source group. No significant differences were found between sex or food security groups. Looking at the percent distribution of energy from the 5 food sources, the largest source of energy in the diet came from grocery store items (64%). Food pantries played the second largest role in meeting the energy needs of consumers, with over half of the participants (52%) reporting consuming food items from FP, and contributing approximately 25% of total energy intake in those who listed FP as a source of food. The third major source of energy for this
population was friends or family, with one-third of respondents listing this as a source. Nineteen percent of older FP recipients listed Congregate Meals or Home Delivered Meals (HDM) as a source of foods consumed. Mean energy intake for participants in both the food secure and insecure groups was predominantly from grocery stores; however, food pantries again played an important role. Sixty-four percent of food insecure elders consumed foods from FP, with 475 kcal coming from this source. Only 46% of food secure elders consumed FP foods, with 386 kcal eaten. About one-quarter of food secure FP consumers used Congregate Meals or HDM, while only 9% of food insecure FP consumers listed this as a source. Friends and family were the source of foods for 34% of food secure consumers, and 32% of food insecure consumers. This study points to the need for additional nutritional interventions in older food pantry recipients, particularly those who are male, younger-old, and food insecure.
Efforts to improve nutritional quality of food pantry foods may also be important, as pantries comprise a significant source of energy for consumers.
Impacts
This study helps to identify nutritional needs in older adults who use food pantries. Food pantries are a major source of energy in older adults who use pantries. Nutrition interventions for food pantry recipients who are men, consumers age 55-70, and food insecure are needed.
Publications
- Akobundu, U., Cohen, N.L., Laus, M.J., Soussloff, M., and Schulte, M. 2004. Vitamins A and C, calcium, fruits and dairy products are limited in food pantries. J. American Dietetic Assoc. 104:811-813.
- Cohen, N.L., Schulte, M., and Laus, M.J. 2004. Dietary intake and nutritional risk in food secure and insecure older food pantry recipients. American Society for Nutritional Sciences, Washington, D.C. FASEB J. 18(4): A106.
- Schulte, M.J. 2004. Food security and risk of low nutrient intake in elderly persons who use the food assistance programs of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Masters Thesis, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Education have been involved in an assessment of the nutritional and food safety needs of the Adult Day Health (ADH) programs in the state. Evaluating the influence the home caregivers may have over the diets of elders in their care through food practices, social and instrumental support, and environmental settings was of particular interest. In a study of 42 Massachusetts caregivers of adult day health participants, caregiver knowledge of fruits and vegetables was related to their own fruit and vegetable intake, as measured by a brief fruit and vegetable screener (r=0.23). Further investigation will be needed to assess the degree to which dietary intake, knowledge, or food practices of the caregiver impact the diets of elders in their care. About half those caregivers surveyed expressed an interest in learning more about nutrition and identified (1) eating healthy and
(2) exercise as important topics for inclusion in any education component. Of those interested in nutrition education, 43% were interested in learning to increase fruits and vegetables in diets of elders. The ADH survey asked several questions about resources used by adult day health staff and the adequacy of those resources with their aging population. Responses indicated a need to update the materials currently in use by inclusion of more age-related nutrition information, meal plans, and dietary advice to meet the needs of the older client.
Impacts
This collaboration has instructed an adaptation or revision of the USDA Manual titled WHAT IS IN A MEAL addressing those needs. By assessing nutritional needs of caregivers and adult day health staff, educational materials and approaches can better meet documented audience needs, with resulting knowledge gain and behavior change to reduce nutritional risks in the older adults served.
Publications
- Akobundu, U. 2003. Perceived barriers and benefits affecting fruit and vegetable availability at food pantries in Central and Western Massachusetts. Master Thesis. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts (MA) have been collaborating with the food banks in both the western and the central regions of the state to quantify food insecurity, food choice, and health indicators particularly of older clients receiving food assistance through these sites. Results not previously reported show a low frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) by these same participants, 1.39 times per day for fruit and 2.06 times per day for vegetables. These findings spawned a follow-up study of pantries serviced by these two food banks to examine the factors affecting the availability of F&V. A 26-item survey completed by 195 food pantry coordinators examined sources of food, adequacy of quantity and variety of food offered, factors influencing F&V acquisition, promotion of F&V, staff perceptions about F&V availability, psychosocial barriers (taste, cost, preparation) to F&V consumption, and diet and health knowledge. Client-centered
factors had more of an influence on the selection of F&V than environmental and personal factors. Most staff felt that the pantries were able to supply adequate quantities and variety of F&V. Transportation and storage were related to perceived adequacy of F&V offerings. Perceptions of high psychosocial barriers to F&V were associated with lower perceived availability of fruits and vegetables. MA researchers have also been engaged in a collaborative project with the Massachusetts Department of Education to assess the nutritional and food safety needs of the Adult Day Health Programs in the state. Surveys are being developed to examine the nutrition/antioxidant knowledge and attitudes of adult day health caregivers to better target nutrition education activities for this underserved group.
Impacts
Improving fruit and vegetable availability at food pantries can increase fruit and vegetable and concomitant antioxidant intake in at risk populations such as the low-income elderly.
Publications
- Akobundu, U. and Cohen, N. 2002. Increasing fruit and vegetable intakes for better health. Nutritiongate Spotlight, April 2002, www.nutritiongate.com, CAB Publishing.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Most Americans, including low income consumers, do not eat recommended levels of fruits and vegetables. Increased fruit and vegetable availability at emergency food sites such as food pantries may help low income consumers achieve their recommended fruit and vegetable intake. In a study of factors that might influence food offerings at food pantries, fruit and vegetable and nutrition knowledge screening instruments, developed in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Rhode Island, were administered to pantry staff and workers at 134 sites in Western and Central Massachusetts. Responses to a 6-item true/false questionnaire identifying links between food sources, nutrients, and health showed that the younger staff (under 51) tended to be more knowledgeable about nutrition and health than older staff (51 years and older), although more older subjects accurately identified the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables needed daily. Attitudes
toward fruit and vegetable consumption were measured through a series of 14 statements to which respondents were asked to indicate level of agreement. Although age had no specific impact on these barrier/attitudinal scores, higher barrier scores tended to be associated with lower knowledge of recommended number of servings. This research will serve as a guide in the design and implementation of nutritional interventions targeted at younger and older food pantry workers to reduce the barriers to fruit and vegetable availability at food pantries.
Impacts
Consumption of fruits and vegetables, major contributors of dietary antioxidants, is below recommended levels in the United States. Identification of demographic, attitudinal, knowledge, and institutional factors that impact negatively on the distribution of fruits and vegetables to low income consumers is important in developing effective nutrition education programs to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and thus promote a more healthy diet.
Publications
- Laus, M.J., Cohen, N.L., Akobundu, U., Schulte, M., and Soussloff, M. 2001. Factors related to food security among pantry users. SNE Annual Conference Proceedings, 34(1): PO13, p.55.
- Laus, M.J., Cohen, N.L., Schulte, M., Akobundu, U., and Soussloff, M. 2000. Food security and dietary intake of food pantry recipients in Western Massachusetts. APHA 2000 Abstract Volume, Session 5115.0, p 504.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
As part of the ongoing research project, Massachusetts has been collaborating with colleagues at the University of Rhode Island to develop an instrument to measure fruit and vegetable intake with specific emphasis on antioxidants in the diet. Existing food frequency instruments were identified and subsequent modifications made to increase the sensitivity of the food list to capture carotenoid sources. The first phase of pilot testing this instrument was completed and reported by researchers at URI. In a related study looking at the impact of fruit and vegetable consumption on diet and health in a low-income population in Western Massachusetts, MA collaborated with The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutritional needs of individuals who receive Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) foods through food pantries and the Brown Bag for Elders (BBFE) program. The sample included 134 participants from 13
Pantries and 8 BBFE sites, who were randomly selected and interviewed in-person at the site. Dietary intake was measured by 24-hour recall using the multiple pass strategy. Food security questions were adapted from the 6-item short form of the household food security scale. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured using the 6-item BRFEE Questionnaire. Participants aged 55 and older were administered the DETERMINE screen to identify nutritional risk in the elderly. Mean nutrient intakes for energy, fiber, calcium, and folacin fell below those recommended for both men and women; additionally, women were low in vitamin A intakes. When considering intakes less than 2/3 of the recommended level as possible risk factors, more than 33% of the male recipients were at or below those levels for energy, fiber, calcium, vitamins A and C, and folacin. Similarly for women, over 33% reported intakes below the 2/3 level for fiber, calcium, vitamin A and folacin. Despite low energy intakes, 55% of the
men and 54% of the women exceeded the recommended intakes for total fat. When classified by level of food security, 53.6% of the participants reported being insecure or insecure with hunger. Eighty percent of the 63 elderly respondents were classified at either moderate nutrition risk or at high risk by the DETERMINE.
Impacts
MA researchers continue to explore methods to improve nutritional assessment and the relationships between dietary intake, in particular the antioxidant intakes contributed by fruit and vegetable consumption, and other health parameters. These results will be used to promote increased consumer awareness, promote healthy eating styles, and develop nutrition education programs.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
A peer education program has been developed at the University of Massachusetts to address the educational, nutritional, and cultural needs of older blacks. Through appropriate training to increase knowledge and improve food behaviors of low-income elderly blacks in Springfield, researchers hypothesize that the skills acquired could enable trained educators and participants in the program to make better use of limited food dollars and food stamps while achieving better health. Thus this program provides an opportunity to examine the DETERMINE score as a means of documenting risk in a free-living elderly black population. Baseline data, including nutrition knowledge, practices, demographics, and the DETERMINE, have been obtained from 35 low-income older blacks participating in the Springfield Project on Issues Concerning the Elderly (SPICE). Participants from the black community were predominantly women (30 of the 35), ranging in age from 50 to 88. Nineteen of the 29
responding to the question of education stated that they had obtained a high school degree of higher. When asked about health most of the respondents checked good (42%) or fair (46%). Seventeen (52%) of the population reported that they were eligible to receive food stamps although only 10 stated that they actually received food stamps. Knowledge was assessed by the use of 6 true/false questions on such topics as the difference between salt and sodium, the serving size of meat, number of servings recommended, and the link between fat and cancer. Six questions related to dietary practices, respondents were asked to indicate how often (always, usually, sometimes, rarely, never) they read labels, add salt to foods, fry in fat, etc. They were also asked to state the number of times they eat each day, and the number of servings of various foods that they consumed daily. These measures were then used to test the internal validity of the DETERMINE score which was calculated on only those
questionnaires containing complete information for all 10 questions. Of the 23 scores, 6 were at moderate risk and 15 or 2/3 of the population were considered at high risk. Questions on the number of meals eaten asked separately and again within the DETERMINE showed internal agreement. The DETERMINE score was not significantly related to age, sex, level of education, health, or food stamp use. Twelve people (80%) identified as being at high risk by the DETERMINE were not receiving Food Stamps. Knowledge was seen to be inversely related to the determine score. Massachusetts had been collaborating with Pennsylvania to examine retrospective data collected on 150 older women relative to the question of the essentiality of portion information in food frequencies (manuscript accepted for publication).
Impacts
Issues of chronic diseases that often accompany the aging process are associated with poor nutrition. Massachusetts researchers are examining methods to improve assessment of nutritional status, dietary intake, dietary knowledge and practices in older adults, targeting the growing population of elderly blacks. These results will be used to develop appropriate nutrition education and intervention schemes.
Publications
- Ralston, P. and Cohen,N. 1999. Nutrition education for black elders: A strategic approach for delivery. J. Nutrition Education 31:230-234.
- Laus, M.J., Cohen, N.L., Smiciklas-Wright, H., Abu-Sabha, R., and Mitchell, D. 1999. The role of portion information in the agreement between food frequency questionnaires and food recalls in older women. J. Nutrition Elderly 18(4):1-13.
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Progress 10/01/97 to 09/30/98
Outputs
Massachusetts has been collaborating with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in examining retrospective dietary data collected from a rural elderly population through the administration of a food frequency (FFQ) and by collection of food recalls (FR). To explore the consistency by which individuals are ranked according to risk of inadequate dietary intake by either FR or FFQ analyzed with (FFQw) and without (FFQm) the portion option, the data were transformed into categorical values by use of cutpoints. These cutpoint values correspond to the 67% and 100% of the RDA's (National Academy of Sciences, 1989) for women 51 and older. Dietary Reference Intake (1998) values were used for calcium, folate, and vitamin B6. Perfect agreement is seen when an observation is placed in the same category by row and column variables. Gross misclassification results when an observation is ranked in the highest category by one measure and the lowest by the other measure.
Agreement between FR and FFQw and between FR and FFQm in assessing risk was high, with 53% of subjects falling into the same category using either measure. Between 4% and 9% of subjects were grossly misclassified using either frequency measure for most nutrients. However, 18-22% of subjects were grossly misclassified for risk of low intake of vitamins A and E using either food frequency questionnaire. Despite differences in absolute mean values between the FFQ and FR, the ability of the FFQ to place older women studied into categories of dietary risk was reasonably good when using or omitting portion information.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Cohen, N.L., Ralston, P.A., Laus, M.J., Bermudez, O., and Olson, R.B. 1998. Food practices, service use, and dietary quality in elderly blacks. J. Nutr. Elderly. In Press.
- Ralston, P.A. and Cohen, N.L. 1998. Nutrition education for black elders: A strategic approach for delivery. J. Nutr. Educ. In Press.
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Progress 10/01/96 to 09/30/97
Outputs
Investigators at this University have been collaborating with researchers in Pennsylvania to improve dietary information collection methods. Retrospective data, obtained from a rural elderly population of women aged 60 - 88, have been reexamined to look at the agreement in dietary outcome between food recalls (FR) & the Block food frequency questionnaire with (FFQw) & without (FFQm) consideration of the portion size. To examine whether FRs & FFQs are classifying individuals similarly, individuals were grouped by tertiles for each nutrient of interest & the Kappa test statistic applied. Saturated fat, vitamin C, protein, calcium, viamin E, folate & B6 were shown to exhibit significant agreement (p<=0.001) between FR & FFQ when portion options were considered, with weighted Kappa's ranging from 0.23-0.33. When portion options were ignored, agreement between the 2 measures for protein & vitamin E diminished but strengthened for total fat & dietary fiber. No agreement was
shown for vitamin A, thiamin, & riboflavin between FR & either FFQ, nor for energy, carbohydrate & iron between FR & FFQm. Stronger agreement between FR & either FFQ was shown for most nutrients when nutrient intakes were energy- adjusted with values ranging from 0.23-0.41 (FR/FFQw) & 0.21-0.46 (FR/FFQm); no significance was shown between FR & either FFQ for protein & vitamin A. Despite significance in agreement for many of the nutrients, particularly when the nutrient levels were adjusted for energy, the low Kappa's when using or omitting portion information would indicate that these methods are not really measuring the same thing. Investigators need to weigh the possible additional time required to collect portion information against the limited improvement in nutrient measurement in older women.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Cohen, N.L., Ralston, P.A., Laus, M.J., Bermudez, O., Olson, R.B. 1997. Food practices, service use, and dietary quality in elderly Blacks. J. Nutr for the Elderly. Accept for Pub.
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Progress 10/01/95 to 09/30/96
Outputs
Dietary data previously collected is being reanalyzed in a collaborative study between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to determine if the presence of portion descriptors improves nutrient estimates from food frequency questionnaires (FFQ#s). Of the 180 women in the original PA study, 1 FFQ#s and 3 randomly selected 24-hour recalls (FR#s) from 150 older females representing complete data for all dietary measures, has been extracted for examination. Preliminary results indicate that ignoring portion sizes (using the medium-only option) leads to greater nutrient estimates from FFQ#s than using small/medium/large portions (SML), the exception being Vitamin C. Compared to FR#s, there was no clear pattern or bias of over- or underestimation when using FFQ with medium- only portions or FFQ with (SML) for the 24 nutrients investigated. MA has also investigated the relationship of cultural food consumption to dietary intake in elderly African-Americans. A cultural food use
scale was developed and exhibited high internal consistency. High cultural food use was related to energy, fat, cholesterol, and folic acid intake in this population. MA continues to cooperate with regional investigators and others by providing dietary analyses through the facilities of the Mass. Nutrient Data Bank. The database is continually being upgraded as new releases of the USDA Standard Reference data are released.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- CLUFF, C.L. 1996. The influence of cultural food consumption on dietary status of low-income African-American elderly. M.S. Thesis. Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst . 96 p.
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Progress 10/01/94 to 09/30/95
Outputs
MA has been continuing its examination of the importance of the structure, use, and effectiveness of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) in obtaining accurate dietary information. Previous research reported on the effect of stated portion information on the consistency between FFQs and food records among college students. In a study sequel, MA is collaborating with PA in examining those same relationships in an elderly population using retrospective survey data collected from a rural elderly population using the same FFQ instrumentation compared to 3 days food recalls. In related regional collaboration, the Massachusetts Nutrient Data Bank (MNDB) has been working closely with investigators at CT to provide computerized nutrient evaluations of dietary records and recalls collected in their studies. The MNDB continues to be a valuable tool utilized by MA researchers incorporating dietary assessment in their studies as well as a resource for small businesses within the
state needing nutrient composition information. In addition to the above activities, the MA station is reanalyzing data collected from an urban black elderly population in Springfield to investigate the relationship of cultural food consumption to dietary intake patterns.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/93 to 09/30/94
Outputs
MA has examined the relationship of acculturation with Dietary Quality (DQ), health and other socioeconomic indicators in an elderly Puerto Rican (PR) population, a subset of the Hispanic HANES survey. Results indicated adequate intakes of protein, vitamins B-12 and C and Phosphorus but low intakes of energy, Zn, Mg and vitamins A, E and B-6. A cultural food scale, developed to reflect frequency of consumption of cultural foods, demonstrated a sensitivity to classifying acculturation and that acculturation played an important role in DQ of PR elderly. The MNDB, a nutrient analysis system is maintained and accessible to researchers investigating the interrelationships of diet and health. The database had been expanded with the addition of sugar data to address new labeling requirements. Further enhancements are planned to meet specific research needs. MA has cooperated with investigator on campus, the state EFNEP staff and most recently with researchers in CT by
providing the dietary analyses component of their research projects. MA in cooperation with researchers in the Northeast Region is developing a strategy to examine retrospective data sets to address questions about the structure, use, and effectiveness of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) in obtaining accurate dietary information from an elderly population.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/92 to 09/30/93
Outputs
Dietary assessment methods used in the U.S. generally rely on the individual's ability to accurately recall or record food consumption. Documented sources of error inherent in most of this methodology include reliance on memory and perception. MA collaborated with researchers in the Northeast (PA lead station) to study the ability of older persons to recognize "sameness" and "difference" when shown pairs of foods. Preliminary results from the MA subpopulation suggest that physical properties of the food and magnitude of the difference are both factors in ability to discriminate. MA is participating in a regional construct validation study of the Food Behavior Instrument developed by researchers at CT. Participants were recruited from several area senior nutrition and social programs and elder hostels. Seventy-five completed self-administered instruments measuring demographics, food shopping and eating habits of seniors were collected. MA maintains an extensive nutrient
database useful for analysis of dietary information, statistical reports and product development. This year the database has been expanded to include all items from the current USDA Standard Reference tapes as well as food composition from scientific literature and commercial sources. Programming and electronic linkages (e.g. INTERNET) make it easily accessible to researchers and industry.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- BELCHER, D.M. 1993. The relationship of lifestyle factors to diet quality in college students. M.S. Thesis. Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst. 86 p.
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Validation studies of food frequency forms (FFQ), have generally involved the comparison of nutrient outcomes calculated from food records (FR) with those derived from FFQ's. Little attention has been given to comparison of food choices. The focus of this study was to assess the level of consistency in reporting individual foods by the same individual by reexamining data collected as part of an earlier regional project. The study conducted over a 6 week period involved 250 individuals completing 2 versions of a FFQ, one with portion sizes (FFw) and one without portions (FFo) and two 3-day food records (FR). FR's were combined and recoded using the NCI-HHHQ list of 100 food items. Frequencies and number of servings were adjusted to weekly standards. Both sets of FFQ's were standardized to reflect frequency and number of servings per week. Data were compared for agreement in reporting both the frequency per week and the number of servings per week. Records were said to
be in agreement if the reported frequency and/or serving sizes were /+-/ 2 per week. Not adjusting for serving size, agreement between the 2 FFQ forms was higher than between FR's and either FFW or FFo. Similar agreement was seen when comparing the number of servings. Examining consistency within food groups, these same patterns prevailed amongst all 9 major categories (dairy, eggs, meats, legumes, grains, fruits, vegetables, fats, sweets & beverages). In general, consistency was highest for meats, eggs, vegetables and legumes.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/90 to 09/30/91
Outputs
Massachusetts (MA) is continuing to investigate the effect of collecting dietarydata through the use of Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) as an alternative to the use of diaries or 24-hour recalls. Most comparisons have focused on the comparability at a nutrient level summed over all foods eaten in a specified time frame. The present study is looking at the consistency between foods and amounts identified on FFQ's and foods mentioned on 3-day food diaries of a college population. Questions to be addressed include: are certain foods or types of foods overestimated; are their differences in consistency patterns between men and women; does the format of the FFQ (with or without stated portion sizes) influence the bias for all foods. These basic questions have implications for collection of dietary data among many populations, including the elderly. In an effort to standardize methodologies in the collection of dietary and health data, MA developed a protocol and
curriculum to be used when training nonprofessional staff to obtain data. This is particularly important in studies where the background of the interviewer might influence the quality and quantity of data collected. The curriculum was used in a related study in MA. The curriculum will be printed in handbook form for future use in other studies which require the use of hired interviewers. MA continues to maintain and upgrade the Nutrient Data Bank (MNDB) for use in regional research.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- COHEN, N.L. and LAUS, M.J. 1990. The contribution of portion data to estimating nutrient intake by food frequency. Research Bulletin Number 730. Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station. University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
- ROSE, J.A. 1991. The comparison of two repeated food frequency questionnaires with and without portion size estimates in the determination and classification of nutrient intake. MS. Thesis. University of Massachusetts, Amherst. 53 p.
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Progress 10/01/89 to 09/30/90
Outputs
Massachusetts is involved in a study to test the validity and reliability of using food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to elicit dietary information in an older (mobile) population and to investigate approaches to enhance their effectiveness. Interested investigators in the regional project met to develop a study design and protocol for collecting dietary data from several sites in the Northeast. The study will be modelled after an earlier study which looked at the effectiveness of portion option information in FFQ's among a college-based population. Results from that study failed to show a significant improvement in agreement relative to 3-day food records when portion sizes were described on FFQ's. A pilot study is proposed for 1991 to identify potential problems with the instrumentation and protocol when used with an older population. A follow-up study will then be conducted in a larger population pooled from several geographical areas.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- LACEY, J.M., BEAL, V.A., HOSMER, D.W., LAUS, M.J., SAMONDS, K.W., BROWN, P.T., CLARKE, R.P., COOK, R.A. and FERRIS, A.M. 1990. Coder variability in computerized dietary analysis.Rsrch Bull. No. 729. MA. Agr. Exper. Sta.
- ANLIKER, J.A., LAUS, M.J., SAMONDS, K.W. and BEAL, V.A. 1990. Parental 1messages and the nutrition awareness of preschool children. J. Nutr. Ed. 22(1):24-29.
- COHEN, N.L. and LAUS, M.J. 1990. The contribution of portion data to estimating nutrient intake by food frequency. Research Bulletin No. 730. Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station (in-press).
- COHEN, N.L. and LAUS, M.J. 1990. The essentiality of portion sizes in nutrient estimation by food frequency. FASEB Journal 4(4):A 1057.
- FRITZ, B.R., COHEN, N.L. and LAUS, M.J. 1990. The relationship between sugar consumption and nutrient intake in young adults. Presented: Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Home Economics Association, Amherst, MA.
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