Development of a tool to measure the consumption of ultra-processed foods
Faraj, K., Hamel, V., Nardocci, M., Kirkpatrick, S., Hammond,D., Vanderlee, L., Polsky, J., Byker Shanks, C., Laura da Costa, M., Robitaille, E., Garriguet, D. & Moubarac, JC
The project, which received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, has been ongoing since February 2021.
This project aims to develop an online tool that will quickly measure the consumption of ultra-processed foods in the population.
Phase 1 - Completed
Tool development
The first stage of the project aimed to define the ultra-processed food subgroups to be included in the first version of the consumption measurement tool, SimpleNOVA. The categories of ultra-processed foods have been defined based on a pilot study (Faraj, K., 2021) and the analysis of food consumption data from a sample of the population in Canada (IFPS project), while consulting our scientific committee. Thus, the sub-categories of ultra-processed foods most consumed in the Canadian population were selected for the tool. For example, commercial bread and frozen, ready-to-eat meals were identified among the most consumed ultra-processed food subgroups. Finally, 24 of products have therefore been selected for the tool for measuring the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Once the first version of the food questionnaire was completed, we collaborated with the programming firmpolygon, in order to develop the format of the online questionnaire. The tool was then ready to be evaluated by a committee of experts, constituting the second major stage of this project.
Phase 2 -
Ongoing
An ongoing Delphi study to assess face and content validity with nutrition experts and development of food questionnaires.
Appearance and content validation with a scientific committee
Phase 3 - Coming soon - August to October 2022
Assessment of face and content validity with potential users
This third phase of the project is scheduled for the end of June 2022. We wish to recruit 60 participants who will be invited to complete the SimpleNOVA measurement tool online accompanied by a nutritionist. Once the questionnaire/online tool has been completed, participants will be questioned by nutritionists in order to assess the face and content validity of the tested tool.
Phase 4 - Coming soon - Fall 2022
Assessment of face and content validity with potential users
This fourth phase of the project is scheduled for fall 2022. We want to recruit 320 participants who will be asked to complete the SimpleNOVA measurement tool online.
