matvarefrekvensskjemaer

Matvarefrekvensskjemaer, also known as food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), are dietary assessment tools used to collect information about how often individuals consume specific foods and beverages over a defined period, typically the past year or month. These questionnaires are designed to capture habitual dietary intake rather than precise amounts consumed at specific meals. FFQs are commonly employed in nutritional research, epidemiology, and public health surveys to estimate usual food consumption patterns and their association with health outcomes.

The structure of an FFQ typically involves a list of food and beverage items, with response options that indicate the frequency of consumption (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, rarely). Some FFQs may also include questions about portion sizes, although this can vary in detail. The advantage of FFQs lies in their ability to assess long-term dietary habits efficiently, making them suitable for large-scale studies. However, they are subject to recall bias and may not accurately capture the variability in an individual's diet. The design and validation of FFQs are crucial for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the data collected. Different FFQs are developed for specific populations and research objectives, taking into account local food availability and cultural dietary practices.