Comparing Diet Quality Based on a Dietary Screening Tool and the DASH Diet Index in Obese, Older Women

Abstract

Diet quality impacts chronic disease risk and can be measured by the Dietary Screening Tool (DST) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Index, however little research has compared these two methods. A 16‐week randomized clinical trial examined the additive impact of Tai Chi (TC) in obese, older women. Subjects completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a DST. The FFQ output was converted to the DASH diet score. The DST provided a summary score. DST and DASH Diet scores were compared at baseline and post intervention using the following risk categories: <25th percentile as at risk, ≥25th –<75th percentile as possible risk, and ≥75th percentile as not at risk. “At risk” and “possible risk” categories were combined and compared to “not at risk.” Thirteen women received modified DASH Diet Education (DE) and 14 women received TC in addition (TC+DE). Mean ages were 62.6 ± 5.9 y for DE and 60.4 ± 6.0 y for TC+DE. The number of participants in each risk category from the two questionnaires at baseline were compared and significant differences were seen as determined by fisher's exact test (p =.01). Though not significant, from baseline to post, those subjects classified as “not at risk” via DST increased from 4 to 15 versus from 5 to 7 via DASH score. Discrepancies between the classifications of risk may be because the DST measures diet patterns and the FFQ reflects nutrient intake.Research supported by the USDA.Grant Funding Source: USDA