Objective: To validate an audio-video (AV) method of food journaling, in a free-living scenario, compared to direct, weighed food assessment.
Design and setting: Data were collected in a cafeteria. Meals, selected by participants (n=30), were documented using the AV method: participants video-recorded their tray while audio-recording a description of their selected meal, after which the research team digitally weighed each food item and created an itemized diary record of the food.
Variables measured: Data from the AV method and from the weighed food diaries were transcribed and entered into a nutrition software analysis program (Nutribase Pro 10.0). Nutrient outputs were compared between the two methods including kilocalories, macronutrients, and selected micronutrients.
Analyses: Using mean scores for each variable, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman's correlation coefficients were conducted. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for absolute agreement between the two methods to assess interrater reliability.
Results: With the exception of Vitamin E and total weight, nutrient values were highly correlated between methods and were statistically significant given alpha = 0.05, power = 0.95, and effect size of 0.70.
Conclusions: The AV method may be a meaningful alternative to diary recording in a free-living setting.