Web-Based Food Portion Size Database in the Czech Republic
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Abstract
Background
In the ELSPAC study, images of the portion sizes for various age groups have been used for the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the 24-hour dietary recall, using a database. Since no standard food portion size database is available in the Czech Republic, a database has been created and further developed for the study, and now it is available online. However, digital images of food are often designed for adults, based on the adult portion sizes, so they are unsuitable for children; therefore, it is necessary to develop a database respecting differences of the age groups.
Objective
The aim of the pilot study was to create a web-based food portion size database of chosen food and assess the accuracy of portion-size estimates using digital images.
Methods
Based on the available methods for creating food portion size databases and images, we have developed a method for creating such a database. The food identification for the pilot study was based on the FFQ of the ELSPAC study for various age groups. The portion size was derived from the official national recommendations in the context of the existing foreign databases and real food and meals. 3 portion sizes for adults and children were designed for the FFQ of the ELSPAC study. In the pilot study, we also prepared a (more precise division) division into 6 portions to compare the estimate accuracy when 3 or 6 portions are used. The next accuracy comparison was carried out using the images with and without known objects (a tennis ball, safety matches, etc.).
To verify the accuracy of the portion-size estimates using digital images in the pilot study, we chose 50 respondents and divided them into subgroups according to the image type they worked with (according to the number of portions and the presence of an object). All respondent were given packets of food and meals of known weight, representing various food groups and food processing. The next day, the participants were asked to fill in a simple online questionnaire and choose portions of food and meals they had eaten the day before.
Results
Research in progress.
We presume that a higher number of portions for adults and images with objects will help provide a higher accuracy. We also hypothesize that a higher accuracy can be ensured by using portion size images corresponding to the age of children.
Conclusion
Research in progress
In the pilot study, the first part of the only online food portion size database available in the Czech Republic has been designed and developed. The accuracy of portion-size estimates and the suitability of the portion images for various age groups have been verified, as well. Thus, the online food portion database can become a suitable and commonly used dietary assessment instrument. Based on the gathered data both from this survey and the first users, and the implementation of the FFQ, more ideas for the tool development have been suggested.
In the ELSPAC study, images of the portion sizes for various age groups have been used for the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the 24-hour dietary recall, using a database. Since no standard food portion size database is available in the Czech Republic, a database has been created and further developed for the study, and now it is available online. However, digital images of food are often designed for adults, based on the adult portion sizes, so they are unsuitable for children; therefore, it is necessary to develop a database respecting differences of the age groups.
Objective
The aim of the pilot study was to create a web-based food portion size database of chosen food and assess the accuracy of portion-size estimates using digital images.
Methods
Based on the available methods for creating food portion size databases and images, we have developed a method for creating such a database. The food identification for the pilot study was based on the FFQ of the ELSPAC study for various age groups. The portion size was derived from the official national recommendations in the context of the existing foreign databases and real food and meals. 3 portion sizes for adults and children were designed for the FFQ of the ELSPAC study. In the pilot study, we also prepared a (more precise division) division into 6 portions to compare the estimate accuracy when 3 or 6 portions are used. The next accuracy comparison was carried out using the images with and without known objects (a tennis ball, safety matches, etc.).
To verify the accuracy of the portion-size estimates using digital images in the pilot study, we chose 50 respondents and divided them into subgroups according to the image type they worked with (according to the number of portions and the presence of an object). All respondent were given packets of food and meals of known weight, representing various food groups and food processing. The next day, the participants were asked to fill in a simple online questionnaire and choose portions of food and meals they had eaten the day before.
Results
Research in progress.
We presume that a higher number of portions for adults and images with objects will help provide a higher accuracy. We also hypothesize that a higher accuracy can be ensured by using portion size images corresponding to the age of children.
Conclusion
Research in progress
In the pilot study, the first part of the only online food portion size database available in the Czech Republic has been designed and developed. The accuracy of portion-size estimates and the suitability of the portion images for various age groups have been verified, as well. Thus, the online food portion database can become a suitable and commonly used dietary assessment instrument. Based on the gathered data both from this survey and the first users, and the implementation of the FFQ, more ideas for the tool development have been suggested.
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