toitumisküsitlusi

Toitumisküsitlusi, also known as dietary surveys or food consumption surveys, are systematic methods used to collect information about the food and drink consumed by individuals or groups over a specific period. These surveys are crucial tools in public health, nutrition research, and food policy development. They help researchers understand dietary patterns, identify nutrient intake levels, and assess the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies or excesses. The data gathered can inform public health interventions aimed at improving dietary habits and preventing diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

There are various approaches to conducting toitumisküsitlusi. Common methods include food diaries, where participants record everything they eat and drink, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), which ask about the usual consumption of a list of foods over a longer period. 24-hour recalls, where participants are asked to recall all food and beverages consumed in the previous day, are another frequently used technique. The choice of method depends on the research objectives, target population, and available resources. Data analysis typically involves calculating nutrient intakes, comparing them to dietary reference values, and identifying correlations with health outcomes or demographic factors. The accuracy of these surveys relies heavily on the participants' ability to recall and accurately report their food intake, and on the quality of the food composition databases used for analysis.