Local Validation of NutricheQ, a Study in Jordan

Abstract

Background: Toddlers are consuming more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foodstuffs in discordance with international dietary guidelines. Limited data are available on the dietary habits of children in Jordan. Objectives: This study aimed primarily at assessing the local validity of the NutricheQ tool in reflecting the nutritional risk status of 12-to 36-month-old toddlers in Jordan. Methods: This national, multicentre, observational validation study analyzed the data of healthy 12-to 36-month-old toddlers who were identified and prospectively enrolled during a routine clinic visit. After providing written informed consent, the parents or legal guardians of toddlers were asked to (a) complete a food intake diary form (FIDF) over three days (two weekdays and one weekend day); and (b) to answer the NutricheQ questionnaire completed by the physician during a single outpatient visit, as part of the case report form (CRF). Results: Out of 213 Jordanian toddlers, 31 (14.6%) were at low nutritional risk; 145 (68.1%) (95% confidential interval (CI): 61.5-74.0) were at moderate nutritional risk, and 37 (17.4%) (95% CI: 12.8-23.1) were at an increased nutritional risk. The average nutritional intake of the toddlers did not meet the daily intake of the main nutrients recommended across all food categories, with a default daily intake of vitamin A, vitamin D, fiber, and iodine and an excess daily intake of protein and iron. NutricheQ-predicted risk categories significantly correlated with meat intake and the number of weekly servings of fruits and cooked vegetables. Conclusions: NutricheQ is a valid tool to predict nutritional risk among toddlers in Jordan.