Development and Validation of a Digital Photographic Atlas of Argentine Foods

Abstract

Introduction. Before the Second National Health and Nutrition Survey in Argentina, it was necessary to create a digital visual tool to help participants in the quantification of intake. This study describes the development of a Digital Photographic Atlas of Argentinean Foods (AFDAA) and evaluates its accuracy in visually estimating the amounts of foods consumed in Argentina. Methods. A total of 292 photographs of food/dishes were taken in standardized conditions and classified into 103 series according to food group. Thirty series were selected for validation. Adults ≥ 18 years of age were invited to participate in three validation sessions that were conducted at “blinded” between 2016 and 2018. During each session, the participant´s ability to visually relate a real amount of food presented on a plate to an amount depicted in a photograph series was assessed. The difference between the participant’s perception of the weight of foods/dishes in photographs and the real weight was expressed as a percentage. The average percentage difference was estimated, and 95% confidence intervals were used. When ≥ 50% of the differences were outside the ±30% range, the set of pictures was removed from the final version. Results. This free-to-use digital Atlas is a valuable tool that can be employed in future dietary surveys to quantify the consumption of foods similar to those depicted in the images. Conclusion. The degree of BMI tends to increase the level of sleepiness. Funding: This research received financial support from UNICEF and the Universidad Nacional de La Matanza (Grant C2SAL012).