Validating a measure to provide nutritional analysis of children's lunchtime food consumption using digital photography

Abstract

Background: To assess children's eating patterns we have to measure individual children's consumption directly. However, gold-standard weight measures are time consuming and impractical in busy school dining environments. Methods: We measured school lunches of 90 children (Years 1, 3, and 5 in one primary school) in the naturalistic dining environment, considering both school dinners and packed lunches. Children's food was weighed and also photographed before and after lunchtime over three separate days. Expected Results: There will be good correspondence between weight estimates based on photographs and direct measurement across different food types. We will be able to accurately record the nutritional content of children’s food consumption using digital photography. Current Stage of Work: Data collection has been completed on two of the three planned measurement dates. Discussion: The measure is expected to provide a valid nutritional assessment of children’s consumption suited to busy dining environments. We next plan to use it to establish whether increase in fruit and vegetable consumption results in displacement of foods high in fat, salt and sugar following a healthy eating intervention (the Food Dudes).