Influence of the recall period on self-reported alcohol intake.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the accuracy of recall on self-reported alcohol intake.

DESIGN

Population-based random sample.

SETTING

The Danish Health and Morbidity Survey 1994.

SUBJECTS

The study is based on 6,354 persons chosen at random among the adult Danish citizens. The response rate was 77%.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Number of alcoholic drinks consumed on each day during the last week.

RESULTS

For self-reported alcohol intake on the last Saturday, respondents with a recall period of one day have the shortest recall period (reference group) and respondents with a recall period of seven days the longest. Respondents with a recall period of seven days reported significant lower alcohol intake (Odds Ratio: 0.56). The reported alcohol intake declines when the recall period increases. The decline in recall of alcohol intake is very clear already after 2-3 days.

CONCLUSION

The systematic decrease in reported alcohol use with increased recall period indicates problems in correctly reporting alcohol intake for a full week. Many surveys use recall periods that are longer than a week and, therefore, underreported alcohol intake is expected to be even higher.