Reproducibility and relative validity of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for the Chinese lactating mothers

Abstract Background The dietary nutritional status of the lactating mothers is related to maternal health and has a significant impact on growth development infants through secretion breast milk. food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) most cost-effective assessment method that can help obtain information usual pattern participants. Until now, FFQs have been used for different populations in China, but there are few available mothers. We aimed develop semi-quantitative, 156-item FFQ Chinese mothers, evaluate its reproducibility relative validity. Methods A total 112 completed two one 3-d record (3DR). first (FFQ1) was conducted during postpartum at 60–65 days second (FFQ2) subsequent follow-up 5 weeks. 3DR with portion sizes assessed using photographs taken by respondent before after eating (instant photography) 1 week FFQ1. Results For reproducibility, Spearman’s correlation coefficients ranged from 0.34 0.68, nutrients 0.25 0.61. Meanwhile, intra-class 0.48 0.87, 0.27 0.70. validity, 0.32 0.56, 0.23 0.72. energy-adjusted 0.26 0.55, 0.22 0.47. Moreover, de-attenuation 0.67, 0.28 0.77. Bland-Altman plots also showed reasonably acceptable agreement between methods. Conclusions This reproducible valid tool assessing intake