Comparability of Dietary Measures Among NSW Children and Adolescents.

Abstract

The measurement of lifestyle behaviours among child and adolescent populations is challenging. Over the past two decades, there have been at least six population-based surveys that have measured lifestyle and anthropometric factors among 13 population-based samples of children and adolescents in New South Wales (NSW). While these surveys have used different instruments and modes of administration, all have to some extent collected data on the same types of indicators (or variables) for assessing dietary intake and food related behaviours. This report collates estimates of the different dietary indicators used in population-based surveys conducted with young people in NSW between 1995 and 2010, and compares these estimates according to age group, survey methods, the different population survey questions, by age group and respondent (child versus parent). The results provide valuable information to guide the interpretation of population dietary surveillance data, and future decisions around population nutrition monitoring, in NSW.