Concurrent comparison of energy intake and expenditure among adults in Butajira District, Ethiopia.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate and compare dietary energy intake (DEI) and total energy expenditure (TEE) among adults, using questionnaires.


METHODS
Comparative, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Community-based, at the demographic surveillance site (DSS) in Butajira District of Ethiopia.


METHODS
A total of 619 adults, 18-64 years of age, were randomly selected from among the urban and rural population of Butajira using the DSS sampling frame. Habitual dietary intake and physical activity were assessed using questionnaires. BMR was estimated using a regression equation, and TEE was calculated from BMR and the metabolic energy equivalent task (MET) and duration of reported activities. Physical activity level (PAL) was calculated as TEE/BMR, while food intake level (FIL) was calculated as DEI/BMR. The mean DEI:TEE ratio was used to evaluate reported DEI at the population level, while individual misreporters were identified by applying the Goldberg cut-off points at three levels of PAL.


RESULTS
Based on the Goldberg method, 57% of the study participants were identified as acceptable reporters of DEI, among whom mean TEE was 8.21 (95% CI 8.01, 8.42) MJ (1963 (95% CI 1914, 2012) kcal), mean DEI was 8.13 (95% CI 7.93, 8.34) MJ (1944 (95% CI 1895, 1993) kcal) and mean DEI:TEE was 1.01 (95% CI 0.99, 1.04).


CONCLUSIONS
The dietary history and physical activity questionnaires provide comparable estimates of mean energy intake and expenditure at a population level. Acceptable reporters have to be identified in order to obtain better estimates. Questionnaire-based estimates of energy intake should not be interpreted without an inherent system of comparison or validation.
Tesfaye
Fikru
F
Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 11490, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ttfikru@yahoo.com
Byass
Peter
P
Wall
Stig
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D004651:Employment; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009790:Occupations; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires