More on the Background and Development of ASA24™

In 2004, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) began to assess the possibility of creating an automated and self-administered 24-hour dietary recall. The capability to collect a 24-hour recall that could be unannounced, automated, and self-administered would make it feasible to administer multiple days of recalls in large-scale epidemiologic studies, surveillance studies, behavioral trials, or clinical research. Such a method would enhance investigators' ability to assess usual dietary intakes. After some brainstorming and investigational work, the development of ASA24 began in 2005. The ultimate goal was to create software for an engaging and easy-to-use instrument, and to make this software available to investigators on a Web site so that they could easily use the system at minimal or no cost.

The development of ASA24 builds on the work of a previously-developed instrument, the Food Intake Recording Software System (FIRSSt). FIRSSt was initially developed in late 1997 by Dr. Tom Baranowski and later in conjunction with Richard Buday of Archimage Associates, in Houston, TX. (Baranowski T et al. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:380-5.)

Dr. Amy F. Subar has led the NCI effort to develop the ASA24 software that is accessed by respondents to complete their dietary recalls and Dr. Nancy Potischman has led the effort to develop the web site used by researchers to manage study logistics and access reports and analytic files. This work is being conducted collaboratively with other investigators at NCI and USDA and under contract with Archimage in Houston, TX, and Westat in Rockville, MD. An External Working Group has met twice to discuss the needs and interests of potential users and to provide advice to the project.

ASA24™ is a trademark of DHHS.