Abstract
Adherence and accuracy of self-monitoring of dietary intake influences success in
weight management interventions. Information technologies such as computers and smartphones
have the potential to improve adherence and accuracy by reducing the burden associated
with monitoring dietary intake using traditional paper-based food records. We evaluated
the acceptability and accuracy of three different 7-day food record methods (online
accessed via computer, online accessed via smartphone, and paper-based). Young women
(N=18; aged 23.4±2.9 years; body mass index 24.0±2.2) completed the three 7-day food
records in random order with 7-day washout periods between each method. Total energy
expenditure (TEE) was derived from resting energy expenditure (REE) measured by indirect
calorimetry and physical activity level (PAL) derived from accelerometers (TEE=REE×PAL).
Accuracy of the three methods was assessed by calculating absolute (energy intake
[EI]–TEE) and percentage difference (EI/TEE×100) between self-reported EI and TEE.
Acceptability was assessed via questionnaire. Mean±standard deviation TEE was 2,185±302
kcal/day and EI was 1,729±249 kcal/day, 1,675±287kcal/day, and 1,682±352 kcal/day
for computer, smartphone, and paper records, respectively. There were no significant
differences between absolute and percentage differences between EI and TEE for the
three methods: computer, –510±389 kcal/day (78%); smartphone, –456±372 kcal/day (80%);
and paper, –503±513 kcal/day (79%). Half of participants (n=9) preferred computer
recording, 44.4% preferred smartphone, and 5.6% preferred paper-based records. Most
participants (89%) least preferred the paper-based record. Because online food records
completed on either computer or smartphone were as accurate as paper-based records
but more acceptable to young women, they should be considered when self-monitoring
of intake is recommended to young women.
Keywords
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Biography
M. J. Hutchesson is a lecturer and postdoctoral research fellow, Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition and School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
Biography
M. E. Rollo is a lecturer and postdoctoral research fellow, Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition and School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
Biography
R. Callister is a professor of human physiology, Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition and School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmance, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
Biography
C. E. Collins is a professor of nutrition and dietetics, Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition and School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 26, 2014
Accepted:
July 24,
2014
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST M. J. Hutchesson received a partial fellowship from the Penn Foundation. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the other authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT M. J. Hutchesson is supported by a National Heart Foundation of Australia Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
