Comparison dietary assessment methods in Sri Lankan adults: use of 24-hour dietary recall and 7-day weighed intake

Background: Misreporting, recalling and overestimation are common problems with dietary assessment methods currently available. The 7-day weighed food record (7DWR) method involves an individual weighing of each and every food item prior to consumption, and is considered as a reference method in many situations. The present study aims to compare the energy and nutrient intakes, estimated from 7DWR and 24-hour dietary recall (24DR), among a group of adults. Methods: One hundred adults were randomly selected from a representative sample from Sri Lanka. The 24DRs were performed on a random day and the subjects were instructed to complete 7DWR from the next day onwards. The nutrients were analyzed using Nutrisurvey Software. In addition, qualitative data were collected from 30 participants, chosen randomly, on the feasibility of the 7DWR as a dietary assessment method. Results: A total of 76 participants completed both 24DR and 7DWR. Mean (SD) values for energy and major macronutrients were significantly lower for 24DR as compared to 7DWR. However, there was no statistically significant difference in energy percentages for macronutrients, between the two methods. Several participants reported difficulties in using the 7DWR method and some reported an alteration in their diet pattern when this method was used. Conclusion: Results obtained from 24DR method under-estimated the nutrient intakes as compared to the 7DWFR method.