Procedimentos metodológicos empregados em questionários de frequência alimentar elaborados no Brasil: Uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

This review aimed to analyze and discuss the methodological procedures employed in the Food Frequency Questionnaires made in Brazil. The following databases were searched: PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, IBECS, MedLine and the Cochrane Library. Twenty-two Food Frequency Questionnaires designed for Brazilian populations were found. Among the Food Frequency Questionnaires, 50% of them (n=11) were based on 24-hour recalls, 27.27% (n=6) were preexisting FFQ, 13.63% (n=3) were food records and 9.09% (n=2) were other types; 72.72% (n=16) had lists containing 50 to 100 items, an ideal number. Almost half the FFQ (45.45%, n=10) were quantitative, 45.45% (n=10) were semi-quantitative and 9.09% (n=2) were qualitative. Only 27.27% (n=6) were tested in a pilot study and only 36.36% (n=8) of the Food Frequency Questionnaires had a specific target audience, whether children, adolescents or adults. The Brazilian Southeast, especially the state of São Paulo, developed the largest number of Food Frequency Questionnaires (54.54%, n=12). The literature review helped to identify the Food Frequency Questionnaires prepared for the Brazilian population, their respective methodologies, target audience, as well as their regional distribution. Although most Food Frequency Questionnaires have been prepared following the methodological guidelines discussed here, researchers should give more attention to the criteria used for Food Frequency Questionnaires development.