Research Needs in Preschool Age Populations
Drawing conclusions from the validation studies on preschool populations
discussed in this chapter is difficult because of the varied study designs,
the relatively small study populations, and limited number of studies
on each dietary assessment method. Even among studies using the same dietary
assessment method, the protocol for the method differed. For example,
the 24HR (24-Hour
Recall) studies differed in the number of recall passes, the portion
size estimating aides, and the number of recall interviews. As in the
infant and toddler age group, validation studies in preschool children
using larger and more representative populations, similar methodologies,
and examining the impact of gender, ethnicity, or infant age on the validity
are needed. A comprehensive study evaluating multiple measures of child
intake simultaneously would be helpful. In a longitudinal study, the timing
and frequency of dietary assessment in preschoolers should be examined.
Research is needed on portion size estimating aides for this age group
(126);
most of the studies reviewed used adult portion-size estimating aides.
Existing validation research has mainly compared estimates of nutrients
consumed rather than reported foods. Several investigators have recommended
more research on the assessment of the accuracy of reported foods in 24
HR interviews (135;136;139;145).
There is a lack of research supporting the best method for collecting
information on the preschool child's intake when not with the parent or
primary caregiver.
The impact of social desirability on reporting bias has not been examined
in preschool populations. Parents may feel reporting their child's intake
of foods of questionable nutritional value will reflect negatively on
perceived parenting skills. Larger studies examining the effect of gender,
BMI (Body-Mass Index) of the parent and child, and ethnicity on errors
in reporting are needed. Validation studies in low-literacy populations
are needed. The methods research priority recommendations from the "Future
Directions for the Integrated CSFII-NHANES" 2002 workshop (9;64)
can also be applied to preschool populations. Validation of automated
or web-based dietary assessment methods is an additional research need.
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