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. 2016 Jun 7;13(6):e1002036.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002036. eCollection 2016 Jun.

Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Nutritional Epidemiology (STROBE-nut): An Extension of the STROBE Statement

Carl Lachat  1   2 , Dana Hawwash  1 , Marga C Ocké  3 , Christina Berg  4 , Elisabet Forsum  5 , Agneta Hörnell  6 , Christel Larsson  4 , Emily Sonestedt  7 , Elisabet Wirfält  7 , Agneta Åkesson  8 , Patrick Kolsteren  1   2 , Graham Byrnes  9 , Willem De Keyzer  10 , John Van Camp  1 , Janet E Cade  11 , Nadia Slimani  9 , Myriam Cevallos  12   13 , Matthias Egger  13 , Inge Huybrechts  9
Affiliations

Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Nutritional Epidemiology (STROBE-nut): An Extension of the STROBE Statement

Carl Lachat et al. PLoS Med. .

Abstract

Background: Concerns have been raised about the quality of reporting in nutritional epidemiology. Research reporting guidelines such as the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement can improve quality of reporting in observational studies. Herein, we propose recommendations for reporting nutritional epidemiology and dietary assessment research by extending the STROBE statement into Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Nutritional Epidemiology (STROBE-nut).

Methods and findings: Recommendations for the reporting of nutritional epidemiology and dietary assessment research were developed following a systematic and consultative process, coordinated by a multidisciplinary group of 21 experts. Consensus on reporting guidelines was reached through a three-round Delphi consultation process with 53 external experts. In total, 24 recommendations for nutritional epidemiology were added to the STROBE checklist.

Conclusion: When used appropriately, reporting guidelines for nutritional epidemiology can contribute to improve reporting of observational studies with a focus on diet and health.

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Conflict of interest statement

I have read the journal's policy, and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: JEC is PI on a grant from the Medical Research Council (MR/L02019X/1) that is looking at ways to improve the quality of dietary assessment. MC acted as coordinator of the STROBE collaboration. ME receives a stipend as a specialty consulting editor for PLOS Medicine and serves on the journal's editorial board.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Participants of the Delphi consultation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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