The standardized computerized 24-h dietary recall method EPIC-Soft adapted for pan-European dietary monitoring

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The EPIC-Soft program (the software initially developed to conduct 24-h dietary recalls (24-HDRs) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study) was recommended as the best way to standardize 24-HDRs for future pan-European dietary monitoring. Within European Food Consumption Validation (EFCOVAL), EPIC-Soft was adapted and further developed on various aspects that were required to optimize its use. In this paper, we present the structure and main interview steps of the EPIC-Soft program, after implementation of a series of new specifications deemed to satisfy specific requirements of pan-European monitoring surveys and other international studies. Subjects/Methods: Updates to optimize the EPIC-Soft program were ascertained according to the following stepwise approach: (1) identification of requested specifications to be potentially implemented through an ad hoc 'EPIC-Soft specifications questionnaire' sent to past, current and possible future users of the software; (2) evaluation of the specifications in collaboration with two ad hoc task force groups and through a workshop; (3) development of a technical solution for each retained specification; (4) implementation of the specifications by software developers; (5) testing and amendment of bugs. Results: A number of new specifications and facilities were implemented to EPIC-Soft program. In addition, the software underwent a full reprogramming and migration to a modern Windows environment, including changes in its internal architecture and user interface. Although the overall concept and structure of the initial software were not changed substantially, these improvements ease the current and future use of EPIC-Soft and increase further its adaptation to other countries and study contexts. Conclusions: EPIC-Soft is enriched with further functions and facilities expected to fulfil specific needs of pan-European dietary monitoring and risk assessment purposes. The validity, feasibility and relevance of this software for different national and international study designs, and the logistical aspects related to its implementation are reported elsewhere.

SPADE, a New Statistical Program to Estimate Habitual Dietary Intake from Multiple Food Sources and Dietary Supplements

“…For the presented examples, users of folic acid-containing dietary supplements were defined as subjects that indicated use of folic acid supplements, vitamin B supplements, multivitamins, or multimineral/multivitamins. For the 24-h recalls of foods, beverages, and dietary supplements consumed, the computer-directed interview program EPIC-Soft was used (27,28). To estimate nutrient intake, the consumption data were combined with data from the extended version of the Dutch Food Composition Database [NEVO table 2011/3.0 (29)] and data from the Dutch Supplement Database, dated 1 January 2008 (30).…”

menuCH - Swiss Nutrition Survey 2014-2015

“…For in-depth information about the method see (22). The structured multiple-pass computer-assisted interview was conducted using the software GloboDiet® (GD, formerly EPIC-Soft®) (23,24) which was complemented with a comprehensive picture book (25) and a set of real dishes to support survey participants in quantifying amounts of consumed foods. Both, software and picture book had been adapted for the Swiss specific food market and requirements of FSVO/FOPH and other stakeholders; they were provided in German, French and Italian.…”

A review of the design and validation of web- and computer-based 24-h dietary recall tools

“…In general, the applications are based on the multi-pass approach described by Moshfegh et al (30) . The applications are either self-administered, whereby a participant completes the recall in the absence of a researcher (5,(31)(32)(33) , or interviewer administered, where the interviewer uses the application to collect/analyse dietary recall data in the presence of a participant (26,28,34,35) . The software guides and prompts the participant/interviewer to recall and record food and drink consumed in the previous day (24 h).…”

“…De Keyzer et al (38) notes that the 24HDR method is currently the most commonly used tool to collect dietary intake data in national surveys, usually taking multiple recalls to assess habitual intake and, in some instances, used in conjunction with an FFQ (for example, Canada and USA) (39,40) . In Europe, efforts are being made to standardise the collection of dietary intake data and the potential of computer-assisted 24HDR tools has been recognised (26,41) . Both self-administered and intervieweradministered applications have demonstrated the ability to reach large population groups using these applications (42,43) .…”

“…The reduced participant burden and time of data collection, associated with web-and computer-based 24-h dietary recall (24HDR) tools, support the use of this method in many different populations. Web-and computer-based 24HDR tools have been used to collect data from various population groups including young children (19)(20)(21)(22) , adolescents (5,6,23) and adults (24)(25)(26)(27) . Two of the comparison and validation studies included in this review recruited elderly participants in their study population (28,29) ; however, the validity of these tools have not been tested explicitly in an elderly population.…”