Validation of a Thai semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (semi-FFQ) for people at risk of metabolic syndrome

Background: Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) are a useful dietary assessment tool to determine relationships between diet and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Our purpose was to validate a semiquantitative FFQ (semi-FFQ) for Thais at risk of metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods The study identified 345 men and women aged 30 to 65 years were enrolled and invited to participate in data collection for 4 weeks. They were asked to maintain a 4-day food record and partook in a semi-FFQ interview during week 4. Urine samples and biochemical results related to MS were collected. Validation results were associated with 3 primary nutrients for MS (sugar, fat, and sodium) and biochemical results (blood glucose, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and 24-hour urine sodium). Results Ninety-four participants were enrolled (54 in a “urine-collection not-required” group and 40 in a “urine collection” group). The level of each key MS nutrient significantly increased commensurate with rises in semi- FFQ estimated intakes. Correlation coefficients (r) were as follows: fasting blood glucose, r = 0.293 (fruits) and r = 0.285 (desserts); triglycerides, r = 0.252 (a la carte-dishes); LDL-cholesterol, r = 0.205 (rice-with-topping dishes); systolic blood pressure, r = 0.272 (snacks) and r = 0.190 (a la carte dishes). Conclusions The semi-FFQ helps assess dietary patterns of Thai populations at risk of NCDs.