Methodology for Dietary Studies in Epidemiological Surveys. II—Strengths and Weaknesses of Existing Methods

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Abstract
The strengths and weaknesses of existing methods of dietary investigation, especially as related to epidemiological surveys, are considered. The discussion is centered about the decisions which must be made in undertaking the dietary portion of an epidemiological study and the literature which may influence these decisions is reviewed. In particular the literature related to the validity of dietary data is considered. The best method to be used in studying dietary intake depends on the objective of the study and the hypothesis to be tested. There is a need for greater clarification in defining over-all objectives and then fitting the dietary method to the objective. One of the accomplishments during the past decade with respect to dietary methodology studies has been to point up the contrast in methods which are adequate to give mean intakes of groups with those which are necessary if one is interested in data for an individual. A major defect in collecting and processing dietary data lies in our inability to make precise or even approximate statements concerning the validity and reliability of the various procedures in current use. Until more information on validity is available, it is difficult to evaluate the usefulness of dietary appraisal in epidemiological studies. More studies are needed of the validity and reliability of dietary methods which may be suitable for epidemiological studies.

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