Hygiena 2008, 53(1):12-18

Simple Nutrition Software for Quick Assessment and the Results of its Distribution to Members of the Public

Jindřich Fiala

Ústav preventivního lékařství, Lékařská fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Brno

There is a considerable gap between the need for nutritional assessment and the frequency of its actual performence. One of the main reasons is the demandingness of available nutritional tools, because usually it is necessary to input intricately detailed dietary data, which is time-consuming. Currently accessible tools are therefore used almost exclusively by nutritional specialists and not by general practitioners or even the general public. The objective of the described project was to create a very simple computerized tool for introductory dietary assessment according to major food groups and the food pyramid. The main questionnaire form consists of 18 selected food items and for each of them a weekly frequency is selected from a frequency scale. The results are presented in both graphic and numerical forms, as a pyramid, the number of portions in food groups (consumed vs. recommended) and percentages. The program includes a brief evaluation of physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, as well as selected clinical parameters (weight and height, blood pressure, blood cholesterol). The complete examination only takes several minutes. As part of the health support project, the NUTRIFIA software was also distributed to 572 members of the general public poster advertisments that were displayed in the Brno public transport systeme. A short questionnaire was sent for effect evaluation after one month. Its returnability was 81 % and according to the results 93 % of respondents were satisfied with use of the program and 57 % stated that they considerably changed their dietary habits.

Keywords: dietary assessment, simple nutrition software, health support project

Published: March 2008  Show citation