VIDEO TUTORIAL SEMI-QUANTITATIVE FOOD FREQUENCY QUESTIONNAIRE (SQFFQ)

Summary

This tutorial demonstrates the process of conducting a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) interview to gather detailed information on an individual’s eating habits over the past year. The interviewer guides the participant through questions about food consumption, including frequency, portion sizes, and cooking methods. The collected data is then processed to estimate nutritional intake. The script emphasizes key interview techniques, such as maintaining eye contact and avoiding medical jargon. It also provides a step-by-step guide to calculating nutrient values, which will be used for personalized diet planning.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview aims to gather information about daily eating habits for a year to assess nutritional values and inform diet planning.
• 😀 Respondents are asked to rate the frequency of their food consumption over varying time frames (daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly).
• 😀 Accuracy is emphasized during the interview, as any mistakes in answering can impact diet planning and nutritional assessments.
• 😀 The interviewer uses a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) to collect data about the respondent's diet.
• 😀 Questions are structured to avoid open-ended responses and to focus on measurable aspects, like frequency, quantity, and cooking methods.
• 😀 The interviewee provides answers in a structured format, mentioning exact amounts, times, and preparation methods for each food item.
• 😀 The interviewer will calculate the nutritional values for foods based on their quantity and frequency, converting data into usable figures.
• 😀 The SQFFQ helps identify patterns in the respondent's diet, such as common foods consumed regularly and the frequency of consumption.
• 😀 Interviewers must maintain eye contact, avoid medical terms, and ensure clarity by explaining terms in simpler language when necessary.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of the interview is to use the data to inform and customize a diet plan, improving nutrition based on real consumption habits.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the SQFFQ method in this context?

The SQFFQ (Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire) method is used to assess the frequency and portion sizes of food consumed by an individual over a specified time period, in this case, a year, to help plan a tailored diet and analyze nutritional intake.

How is the SQFFQ interview conducted with a client?

The interviewer asks the client about their eating habits over the past year, focusing on how often they eat specific foods, how much they eat per serving, and how the food is prepared. The client responds with their consumption patterns, and the interviewer records the answers.

What type of foods are being assessed in the interview?

The foods assessed include staple foods like rice, noodles, and cassava, as well as protein sources like chicken, fish, and shrimp, as well as vegetables, fruits, and snacks.

Why is it important for the client to provide accurate answers?

Accurate answers are crucial because they influence the nutritional calculations and the formulation of a personalized diet plan. Any inaccuracies could impact the diet plan's effectiveness.

What should the interviewer do to ensure the accuracy of the responses?

The interviewer should maintain eye contact with the client, avoid asking open-ended questions, refrain from using medical jargon unless necessary, and clarify portion sizes and cooking methods.

How is the food consumption data processed after the interview?

The data is used to calculate the nutritional value of the foods consumed. The frequency of food intake is converted to a daily value, which is multiplied by the portion size, and then further calculated to determine the energy and nutrient content.

Can you give an example of how food consumption is quantified in the SQFFQ method?

For instance, if a client eats cassava once a month, the frequency is divided by 30 days, yielding a daily consumption rate. Then, the total weight of cassava consumed is multiplied by the frequency, and the resulting value is used to calculate nutritional content.

How is the portion size measured in the SQFFQ?

Portion sizes are measured based on common household measures or weights. For example, one piece of cassava might weigh 120 grams, and the client’s consumption is quantified in terms of this standard measure.

What role does the interviewer play in the overall process?

The interviewer is responsible for guiding the client through the food frequency questionnaire, recording responses accurately, clarifying doubts, and ensuring all necessary information is gathered to perform nutritional calculations.

Why is it essential for the interviewer to avoid using medical terms?

Using medical terms may confuse the client, particularly if they lack understanding of nutrition or health-related language. Simplifying the language ensures that the client provides more accurate responses.