Increasing prevalence of underreporting does not necessarily distort dietary surveys (original) (raw)

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 51, pages 297–301 (1997)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives: To study the magnitude of and trends in energy underreporting and to compare food consumption, nutrient intake and socioeconomic characteristics of underreporters to those of other Finnish adults. Design: Cardioavscular risk factor surveys in 1982 and 1992 using a 3 d food record. Underreporting was defined as energy intake lower than 1.27*BMR, since energy intake <1.27*BMR is improbable. Setting: Four areas in Finland, both rural and urban. Subjects: 1746 men and 1921 women, aged 25–64 y. Results: Proportion of underreporters has increased from 33% in 1982 to 46% in 1992 among women and from 27% in 1982 to 42% in 1992 among men. In a logistic regression model, BMI over 25 kg/m2, female gender, age over 45 y and high educational level predicted underreporting. Shares of energy intake from fat, carbhoydrates, protein and alcohol remained the same whether or not underreporters were excluded. However, underreporters consumed significantly higher proportion of vegetables, fish, meat, potatoes, fruit and berries and less fat than others. In the 1992 data the absolute intake of most micronutrients increased and micronutrient densities decreased when underreporters were excluded. Conclusions: The proportion of underreporters has grown from 1982 to 1992. Results expressed as a percentage of energy intake are not affected by the exclusion of underreporters. In contrast, micronutrient intakes, both absolute and energy density values, were distorted by underreporting. Underreporting should be taken into account in future studies. Sponsorship: National Public Health Institute.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 12 print issues and online access

$259.00 per year

only $21.58 per issue

Buy this article

USD 39.95

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Additional access options:

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki
    T Hirvonen, S Männistö, E Roos & P Pietinen

Authors

  1. T Hirvonen
  2. S Männistö
  3. E Roos
  4. P Pietinen

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hirvonen, T., Männistö, S., Roos, E. et al. Increasing prevalence of underreporting does not necessarily distort dietary surveys.Eur J Clin Nutr 51, 297–301 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600397

Download citation

Keywords

This article is cited by