Developing a validated Alaska Native food frequency questionnaire for western Alaska, 2002-2006

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to develop a dietary instrument (food frequency questionnaire [FFQ]) that measured total dietary intake over 1 year among Alaska Native people in 2 regions. Ways of assessing diet are needed in order to accurately evaluate how the diets of Alaska Natives relate to their health. Study design. Seasonal 24-hour (24-h) diet recalls were collected for developing an FFQ that described the average dietary foods and nutrients consumed. Alaska Native people living in 12 small communities in 2 regions of the state were eligible to participate. Methods. Each participant was to provide 4 24-h diet recalls, 1 per season. Recalls were used to develop an FFQ using regression techniques. The FFQ was administered to 58 of the 333 original participants. Responses to the FFQ were compared to the averages of their 24-h recalls using the Spearman Correlation Coefficient. Results. Energy-adjusted correlations ranged from 0.15 for protein to 0.49 for monounsaturated fatty acids. Fifteen of 26 nutrients examined were significantly correlated (total carbohydrates, sucrose, fructose, total fat, fatty acids [monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, omega 3, EPA, DHA], folate, vitamins A, C, D, potassium and selenium). Conclusions. The FFQ can be used to evaluate intakes of Alaska Natives in western Alaska for the correlated nutrients.