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. 2014 Oct;48(5):845-50.
doi: 10.1590/s0034-8910.2014048005154.

Handling random errors and biases in methods used for short-term dietary assessment

Sinara L Rossato, Sandra C Fuchs

Handling random errors and biases in methods used for short-term dietary assessment

Sinara L Rossato et al. Rev Saude Publica. 2014 Oct.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Epidemiological studies have shown the effect of diet on the incidence of chronic diseases; however, proper planning, designing, and statistical modeling are necessary to obtain precise and accurate food consumption data. Evaluation methods used for short-term assessment of food consumption of a population, such as tracking of food intake over 24h or food diaries, can be affected by random errors or biases inherent to the method. Statistical modeling is used to handle random errors, whereas proper designing and sampling are essential for controlling biases. The present study aimed to analyze potential biases and random errors and determine how they affect the results. We also aimed to identify ways to prevent them and/or to use statistical approaches in epidemiological studies involving dietary assessments.

Estudos epidemiológicos têm evidenciado o efeito da dieta na incidência de doenças crônicas, mas a precisão e a acurácia de dados de ingestão alimentar requerem planejamento, delineamento e modelagem estatística. A estimativa da ingestão alimentar usual na população por métodos de avaliação de curto período, como recordatórios alimentares de 24 horas ou diários alimentares, é influenciada por erros aleatórios e vieses inerentes ao método. Para o manejo de erros aleatórios, utilizam-se a modelagem estatística e o apropriado delineamento e amostragem, cruciais para controle de vieses. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar potenciais vieses e erros aleatórios, suas influências nos resultados e como prevenir e/ou tratá-los estatisticamente em estudos epidemiológicos de avaliação de dieta.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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