Comparison of 4 questionnaires for assessment of fruit and vegetable intake

OBJECTIVE: This study compared fruit and vegetable assessments derived from 4 self-administered questionnaires.

METHODS: Among 102 adolescents, servings of fruits and vegetables assessed by 4 questionnaires were compared with estimates from 24-hour recalls.

RESULTS: The prevalence of consuming 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day was underestimated by the questionnaires. Questionnaires asking subjects to recall their diet over the previous year were more effective in ranking subjects (r's > or = .42) than those assessing previous-day diet (r's > or = .30).

CONCLUSIONS: Brief assessments of fruit and vegetable intake are more useful for ranking subjects than for estimating prevalence of consumption of 5 or more servings per day.