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


METHODS
Prospective study design.


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


METHODS
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.
Paeratakul
S
S
Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27516-3997, USA.
Popkin
B M
BM
Kohlmeier
L
L
Hertz-Picciotto
I
I
Guo
X
X
Edwards
L J
LJ
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015930:Diet Records; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004194:Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D004813:Epidemiology; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011786:Quality Control; D012044:Regression Analysis
D004041:Dietary Fats