The 24-hour food frequency assessment screening tool (FAST24): Development and evaluation of a novel dietary screener to identify foods associated with weight change.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Brief screening questionnaires can identify 'at risk' behaviors in clinical settings. However, there is currently no screener for dietary intake specifically developed using foods associated with body weight change and increased risk for multiple chronic conditions and diseases. METHODS: We developed a novel brief dietary screener, the 24-Hour Food Frequency Assessment Screening Tool Questionnaire (FAST24), to identify intake of foods associated with weight change. University students completed the FAST24 and the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) at two time points to assess acceptability and determine preliminary criterion validity against food categories from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED). RESULTS: 202 individuals (age 20.4 ± 3.6 years; 65.7% females) completed the FAST24 in an average time of 2 min compared to 24 min for the ASA24. Over half of the food items from the FAST24 were matched to, and correlated with, standard USDA food pattern components (r's ranging from .15 to .58, p's < .05). Food items from the dietary data from the FAST24 were also highly correlated with the more intensive ASA24 application (r's ranging from .23 to .82, p's < .01), and were less time-consuming and burdensome to complete (p's < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the continued refinement of the FAST24 as a rapid, valid primary care assessment tool for measuring USDA dietary intake patterns. Use of a short, simple screener such as the FAST24 has the potential for integration into large healthcare delivery settings to help establish a baseline for promoting relative behavior changes critical for long-term health and well-being.

Education and technology used to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes mellitus type II.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of type II diabetes mellitus (DMT2) is expected to continue to rise. Current research has analyzed various tools, strategies, programs, barriers, and support in regards to the self-management of this condition. However, past researchers have yet to analyze the education process; including the adaptation of specific strategies in activities of daily living and roles, as well as the influence of health care providers in the integration of these strategies. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this qualitative case study was to identify the strengths and limitations of the current model of diabetes education in the United States and hypothesize how technology can impact quality of life. METHODS: Key informants on diabetes education were recruited from diabetes education centers through the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. RESULTS: Health care practitioners convey limited knowledge of DMT2. Individuals with DMT2 often have limited understanding of the implications of poor self-management. There appears to be no consistent standard of care for how to effectively incorporate self-management strategies. There is limited education for the use of technology in self-management. Diabetes educators describe that technology could be beneficial. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest the importance of the role of care providers in emphasizing the implications of poor self-management strategies; that a multidisciplinary approach may enhance the education process; and a need for further developments in technology to address DMT2 self-management strategies.