[The automation of the calculations in surveys of food consumption frequency]. / Automatización de los cálculos en las encuestas de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos.

ABSTRACT

With the aim of facilitating and reducing the cost of food consumption frequency surveys, an automated reading, codification and nutrient calculation survey has been developed. Graphite mark optical reader sheet were used, with an XR-5 Datascan reader, and C and Dbase IV programming languages to create the programs and routines for the process. Data on food composition were obtained from the main tables currently published. Reading time for 220 surveys was 130 minutes and the time for calculation of the dietary composition was 175 minutes. This system facilitates the reading and codification of surveys, reducing the time required and cutting costs.