Validity of the PortionSize App for Assessing Children's Dietary Intake: Results From a Pilot Study Conducted in Controlled and Free‐Living Settings
Authors' conclusion
The findings suggest PortionSize may be accurate in controlled settings when used by children. In a free-living setting when used by parents, results indicated PortionSize needs improvements in methods for estimating portion size and food identification. The study findings from phase 2 reflect feasibility and relative agreement rather than validation against true intake. This pilot study focuses on initial validity, relative agreement, and user satisfaction, indicating potential for future clinical and community-based pediatric dietary and weight management applications.
Study context
- Population
- Child/parent dyads; children aged 7–12 years
- Participants
- 31 child/parent dyads
- Comparison
- PortionSize app vs weighed meals and vs digital photography of foods
- Outcome
- Energy intake
Methodological detailstwo phases: controlled setting (phase 1) and free-living setting (phase 2)
- Two phases: controlled setting (phase 1) and free-living setting (phase 2)
Performance
As reported in the abstract
Effect size
0.22
P < 0.05
PortionSize vs Weighed meals · phase 1, assessed by children; equivalent
Effect size
0.26
P > 0.05
PortionSize vs digital photography of foods (DPF) · phase 2, assessed by parents; not equivalent
- Mean percent error, phase 1
- 9.1%
- Mean percent error, phase 2
- 16.5%
Original publication
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