A food frequency questionnaire for use in the Chinese population in Hong Kong: Description and examination of validity

A food frequency questionnaire consisting of seven categories of food types and 266 food items was developed for a dietary survey of the Hong Kong Chinese population. The quantity, frequency of consumption per day and per week for each item was recorded with the aid of photographs to illustrate portion sizes, and nutrient quantity calculated using Food Tables from multiple sources - UK and two mainland Chinese institutions. The validity of the nutrient quantitation was examined by comparing calculated 24 hour intake of total energy, sodium, and potassium, with estimated values of energy expenditure (BMR x 1.4), 24h urinary sodium and potassium outputs. Apart from probable underestimation of sodium and potassium intake, calculated values for energy were close to estimated values. Associations were also present between energy intake, cholesterol, fat, and fatty acid intakes, and serum lipid profile. It is concluded that this questionnaire is suitable for dietary surveys in Hong Kong Chinese and may be used for quantitation of nutrient intakes in studies examining dietary components as risk factors. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.