Accuracy of fourth-graders' dietary recalls of school breakfast and school lunch validated with observations: in-person versus telephone interviews.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the accuracy of children's dietary recalls of school breakfast and school lunch validated with observations and obtained during in-person versus telephone interviews.

DESIGN

Each child was observed eating school breakfast and school lunch and was interviewed that evening about that day's intake.

SETTING

Ten elementary schools.

PARTICIPANTS

A sample of fourth-graders was randomly selected within race (black, white) and gender strata, observed, and interviewed in person (n = 33) or by telephone (n = 36).

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURED

Rates for omissions (items observed but not reported) and intrusions (items reported but not observed) were calculated to determine accuracy for reporting items. A measure of total inaccuracy was calculated to determine inaccuracy for reporting items and amounts combined.

ANALYSIS

Analysis of variance; chi-square.

RESULTS

Interview type (in person, telephone) did not significantly affect recall accuracy. For omission rate, intrusion rate, and total inaccuracy, means were 34%, 19%, and 4.6 servings for in-person recalls and 32%, 16%, and 4.3 servings for telephone recalls of school breakfast and school lunch.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The accuracy of children's recalls of school breakfast and school lunch is not significantly different whether obtained in person or by telephone. Whether interviewed in person or by telephone, children reported only 67% of items observed; furthermore, 17% of items reported were not observed.