The Efficacy of a Diet Survey Method Using the Social Network Service LINE® Application: A QuasiRandomized Controlled Trial

Background/Aims: This study investigated the efficacy of the social network service "LINE®" application, as a diet survey method. Methods: The research was conducted as a quasi-randomized controlled trial. Healthy female students were assigned to three groups: an interview with the paper-based diet record (D) group, an e-mail-based food photograph and message (E) group, or a LINEbased photograph and message (L) group. Each group member recorded and submitted their diet contents for three days. The primary outcome was the difference in intake calculation: total energy, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Intergroup differences were analyzed through analysis of variance. A total of 86 participants were assigned to D group (n = 29), E group (n = 32), or L group (n = 25), while three students refused to participate. One participant in the D group, nine in the E group, and two in the L group dropped out. Results: Total energy consumed was 1594 ± 252 kcal (D group), 1552 ± 28 kcal (E group), and 1422 ± 359 kcal (L group), with p value = 0.15). Protein consumption was 51.9 ± 13.2 g (D group), 59.4 ± 14.0 g (E group), and 47.7 ± 16.5 g (L group), with p value = 0.07, while lipid consumption was 52.6 ± 13.3 g (D group), 51.6 ± 14.7 g (E group), and 47.1 ± 13.0 g (L group), with p value = 0.30. Meanwhile, carbohydrate consumption was 205.0 ± 29.3 g (D group), 193.8 ± 36.5 g (E group), and 182.8 ± 55.3 g (L group), with p value = 0.18. Conclusions: This study managed to identify the efficacy of the LINE® application as a diet survey method.