The Analysis of the Difference between Interviewers and the Days of the Week using the 24-Hour Dietary Recall Method

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the differential effects caused by the interviewers and the days of the week using the 24-hour dietary recall method on the dietary evaluation of nutrient intakes. Thirteen subjects were interviewed by three trained interviewers on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The consumption of nutrients by the subjects during each day was assessed. The average intake of nutrients was found to be sufficient except in calcium, iron, and vitamin A. there was a significant difference between the food intake on the weekdays and that o the weekend. However, the were no significant differences between the interviewers assessments on the intake of nutrients consumed by the subjects. The standardization of the portion size, interview skill and experience may be a few of the reasons explaining the elimination of the potential error created by variations among the interviewers. This study suggests that repeated 24-hour recalls during weekdays and weekends may be a better method for estimating the nutrients consumed by the subjects.