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Predictors of Measurement Error in Energy Intake during Pregnancy

Nowicki, Eric; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Herring, Amy H.; He, Ka; Stuebe, Alison M.; & Olshan, Andrew F. (2011). Predictors of Measurement Error in Energy Intake during Pregnancy. American Journal of Epidemiology, 173(5), 560-8. PMCID: PMC3105438

Journal Article



Nowicki, Eric
Siega-Riz, Anna Maria
Herring, Amy H.
He, Ka
Stuebe, Alison M.
Olshan, Andrew F.



2011


American Journal of Epidemiology

173

5

560-8


20110127





10.1093/aje/kwq402

PMC3105438


4838


Nutrition plays a critical role in maternal and fetal health; however, research on error in the measurement of energy intake during pregnancy is limited. The authors analyzed data on 998 women living in central North Carolina with singleton pregnancies during 2001–2005. Second-trimester diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Estimated energy requirements were calculated using Institute of Medicine prediction equations, with adjustment for energy costs during the second trimester. Implausible values for daily energy intake were determined using confidence limits of agreement for energy intake/estimated energy requirements. Prevalences of low energy reporting (LER) and high energy reporting (HER) were 32.8% and 12.9%, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, pregravid body mass index was related to both LER and HER; LER was higher in both overweight (odds ratio = 1.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.26, 3.02; P = 0.031) and obese (odds ratio = 3.29, 95% confidence interval: 2.33, 4.65; P < 0.001) women than in normal-weight counterparts. Other predictors of LER included marriage and higher levels of physical activity. HER was higher among subjects who were underweight, African-American, and less educated and subjects who had higher depressive symptom scores. LER and HER are prevalent during pregnancy. Identifying their predictors may improve data collection and analytic methods for reducing systematic bias in the study of diet and reproductive outcomes.


Fertility, Families, and Children


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Nowicki, Eric; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Herring, Amy H.; He, Ka; Stuebe, Alison M.; & Olshan, Andrew F. (2011). Predictors of Measurement Error in Energy Intake during Pregnancy. American Journal of Epidemiology, 173(5), 560-8. PMCID: PMC3105438