Validity of a self-reported measure of familial history of obesity.
BACKGROUND
Familial history information could be useful in clinical practice. However, little is known about the accuracy of self-reported familial history, particularly self-reported familial history of obesity (FHO).


METHODS
Two cross-sectional studies were conducted. The aims of study 1 was to compare self-reported and objectively measured weight and height whereas the aims of study 2 were to examine the relationship between the weight and height estimations reported by the study participants and the values provided by their family members as well as the validity of a self-reported measure of FHO. Study 1 was conducted between 2004 and 2006 among 617 subjects and study 2 was conducted in 2006 among 78 participants.


RESULTS
In both studies, weight and height reported by the participants were significantly correlated with their measured values (study 1: r = 0.98 and 0.98; study 2: r = 0.99 and 0.97 respectively; p < 0.0001). Estimates of weight and height for family members provided by the study participants were strongly correlated with values reported by each family member (r = 0.96 and 0.95, respectively; p < 0.0001). Substantial agreement between the FHO reported by the participants and the one obtained by calculating the BMI of each family members was observed (kappa = 0.72; p < 0.0001). Sensitivity (90.5%), specificity (82.6%), positive (82.6%) and negative (90.5%) predictive values of FHO were very good.


CONCLUSIONS
A self-reported measure of FHO is valid, suggesting that individuals are able to detect the presence or the absence of obesity in their first-degree family members.
Paradis
Ann-Marie
AM
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Food Laval University, Quebec, Canada. ann-marie.paradis@crchul.ulaval.ca
Pérusse
Louis
L
Godin
Gaston
G
Vohl
Marie-Claude
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
J Epidemiol Community Health. 1996 Feb;50(1):105-6
8762365
Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1999 Aug;23(8):904-8
10490794
Obesity (Silver Spring). 2007 Jan;15(1):188-96
17228047
Obes Res. 2000 Mar;8(2):194-7
10757206
N Engl J Med. 1997 Sep 25;337(13):869-73
9302300
J Chronic Dis. 1982;35(4):295-309
7061685
Public Health Nutr. 2001 Feb;4(1):19-26
11255492
J Am Diet Assoc. 2001 Jan;101(1):28-34; quiz 35-6
11209581
Biometrics. 1977 Mar;33(1):159-74
843571
Aust N Z J Public Health. 2006 Jun;30(3):238-46
16800200
Am J Prev Med. 2003 Feb;24(2):128-35
12568818
Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1998 Sep;22(9):827-35
9756239
Int J Obes. 1984;8(5):551-9
6519911
Public Health Nutr. 2002 Aug;5(4):561-5
12186665
Bull World Health Organ. 2001;79(4):321-8
11357211
BMC Public Health. 2007 Sep 07;7:235
17822567
Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2000 Sep;24(9):1111-8
11033979
Obes Rev. 2007 Jul;8(4):307-26
17578381
J Epidemiol Community Health. 2000 Feb;54(2):143-8
10715748
Arch Dis Child. 1997 Nov;77(5):376-81
9487953
Am J Epidemiol. 1999 May 15;149(10):933-42
10342802
Am J Clin Nutr. 1981 Aug;34(8):1593-9
7270483