Development of food frequency questionnaires in three population samples of African origin from Cameroon, Jamaica and Caribbean migrants to the UK

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To develop the methods for assessment of food and nutrient intake using standardized food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) in three African origin populations from Cameroon, Jamaica and Caribbean migrants to the United Kingdom. DESIGN: Cross-sectional assessment of diet from a representative sample in each site, using either a 2-day food dairy or a 24-h recall method to determine food for inclusion on the food frequency questionnaire. SETTING: A rural and urban site in Cameroon, Evodoula and Cite Verte in Yaounde, respectively; a district in Kingston, Jamaica; Afro-Caribbeans living in central Manchester, UK. SUBJECTS: Aged 25-79 years, 61 from the Cameroonian urban site, 62 from village site; 102 subjects from Jamaica (additional analysis on a subsample of 20) 29 subjects from Manchester, UK. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food contributing to nutrients in each site to allow the development of a FFQ. RESULTS: A high response rate was obtained in each site. Comparison of macronutrient intakes between the sites showed that carbohydrate was the most important contributor to energy intake in Jamaica (55 percent) and the least in the rural Cameroon. In rural Cameroon, fat (mainly palm oil) was the most important contributor to energy intake (44 percent). Manchester had the highest contribution of protein energy (17 percent). Food contributing to toal energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate were determined. In rural Cameroon, the top 10 food items contributed 66 percent of the total energy intake compared to 37 percent for the top 10 foods in Manchester. Food contributing to energy were similar in Jamaica and Manchester. Cassava contributed 40 percent of the carbohydrate intake in rural Cameroon and only 6 percent in urban Cameroon. One FFQ has been developed for use in both sites in Cameroon containing 76 food items. The FFQ for Jamaica contains 69 foods and for Manchester 108 food items. CONCLUSION: Considerable variations exist within sites (Cameroon) and between sites in foods which are important contributors to nutrient intakes. With careful exploration of eating habits it has been possible to develop standardized, but locally appropriate FFQs for use in African populations in different countries.(AU)