Measurement error in dietary data: implications for the epidemiologic study of the diet-disease relationship

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the effect of measurement error in dietary data on the relationship between diet and body mass index (BMI). To correct for the effect of measurement error on diet-BMI association by using replicate measurements of diet. The effect of measurement error on diet--BMI relationship was simulated, and its implications are discussed.

Design: Prospective study design.

Setting: The first and second China Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 1989 and 1991, respectively.

Subjects: Three thousand, four hundred and seventy-nine adults age 20-45 y at the 1989 survey.

Methods: Statistical methods were used to demonstrate the effect of measurement error in dietary data on the diet-BMI association.

Results: By using the average of three replicate 24 h dietary recalls, the attenuation of diet-BMI association was reduced substantially. The regression coefficients of fat and energy intakes differed markedly from those computed by using only single measurement of diet.

Conclusions: Measurement error in dietary data may significantly attenuate the diet-disease association. Where appropriate, specific emphasis may be needed to address the problem of measurement error in the study of diet-disease relationship.