Validation of a Digital Diet Method for Use With Preschoolers

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The Validation of a Digital Diet Method project is very innovative because it links three methods to address the gap in measuring food intake of HS preschool children. Data collection is based on EMA theory; participant burden is low, and the Food Image App decreases participant and staff burden even further. Data management and analysis are semi-automated and relies on advanced computer algorithms. A strength of this approach is its semi-automation, which allows us to leverage the strengths of human operators and computer automation.

Detailed Description
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The goal of the proposed research is to modify the Remote Food Photography Method (RFPM) for use with preschoolers. Primary caregivers (the majority will be mothers) and HS assistants will use a Smartphone to capture 24-hour images of HS children's food selection and plate waste. The RFPM, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). and the Food Photography Application© will be used to estimate the energy and nutrient intake of preschoolers. The accuracy of the RFPM will be examined by determining the energy and nutrient intake (collectively referred to as food intake [FI]) to established methods: 1) actual gram (g) weights of laboratory-based test meals and 2) doubly labeled water (DLW) in a natural environment.

Official Title
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Validation of a Digital Diet Method for Use With Preschoolers

Conditions
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Feeding Behaviors

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 3-5 years old Attends Head Start African-American Hispanic American Can physically complete the tasks required in the proposed research Exclusion Criteria: Younger than 3 years old Older than 5 years old Does not attend Head Start Race/Ethnicity other than African-American or Hispanic-American Cannot physically complete the tasks required in the proposed research

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 3 Years
Maximum Age: 5 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| African American Girls<br>-25% of sample is African American Girls | |
| African American Boys<br>-25% of sample is African American Boys | |
| Hispanic American Girls<br>-25% of sample is Hispanic American Girls | |
| Hispanic American Boys<br>-25% of sample is Hispanic American Boys | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| This experiment will compare energy intake (EI) calculated using the test method (Remote Food Photography Method or RFPM) against energy intake calculated using weight measures (actual weighing of all food/beverages consumed). | The Bland-Altman method was used to measure the agreement between digital photography estimated weight and actual weight. This method uses a two step process that evaluates the accuracy (validity) of a new measurement technique compared to and existing gold standard, which was the actual weights of foods. | 12 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| This experiment will compare energy intake (EI) calculated using the test method (Remote Food Photography Method or RFPM) against energy expenditure using the Doubly Labeled Water method (DLW). | The Same statistical analysis methods used for the Primary Outcome Measure will be applied. Additionally, the Bland-Altman technique will be used to assess the degree of agreement between the two methods. | 12 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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nutrition assessment, children, preschool, eating behavior, Head Start, digital technology