Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 48 : Assessment of Nutritional Status by Diet Surveys

Oral questionnaire method

This is also known as interview method. The method involves collection of information from head of the family or house wife regarding the nature and quantities of foods consumed during the past 24 or 48 hours. The necessary information is entered in the schedule designed for conducting the survey making necessary entries in the schedule. This method will only yield approximate results. It gives information regarding the following aspects:

1. dietary habits of a large section of the population within a short period in a particular area
2. the food items commonly consumed and the approximate quantities consumed
3. dietary trends and the quantity of protein-rich and protective foods consumed by the family
4. types of foods given to infants and pre-school children, expectant and nursing mothers
5. sources of supply of foodstuffs, methods of storage and cooking practices and
6. likes and dislikes, taboos and superstitions regarding some category of foods.