matvarefrekvensundersøkelser

Matvarefrekvensundersøkelser, often abbreviated as FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaires), are a dietary assessment tool used to collect information about how often individuals consume specific foods or food groups over a defined period. This period can range from a few days to a year, though longer periods are common to capture habitual intake. The questionnaires typically present a list of foods and beverages, asking respondents to indicate the frequency of their consumption (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) and often the portion size.

These surveys are valuable for understanding dietary patterns within populations and identifying potential links between diet and health outcomes, such as chronic diseases. They are particularly useful in epidemiological studies and public health research due to their ability to assess long-term dietary habits without requiring the detailed record-keeping of other methods like food diaries. FFQs are generally considered cost-effective and easier to administer to large groups.

However, FFQs have limitations. They rely on memory and self-reporting, which can lead to recall bias and inaccuracies. The accuracy of the data can also be influenced by the specificity of the food list, the respondent's understanding of portion sizes, and their ability to accurately estimate consumption frequencies. Despite these challenges, FFQs remain a widely used and important method for dietary surveillance and research.