Dietary Assessment for Early Childhood Dietary Intake
(ECDAS Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve how caregivers report young children's diets using two methods: a traditional 24-hour dietary recall and a new approach called ecological momentary assessment (EMA), a real-time data collection method. Over three days, caregivers will provide specific meals and snacks to their child and report the child's intake using these methods. The goal is to determine which method most accurately captures the child's food intake. Caregivers with a child without food allergies, a smartphone, and the ability to involve another caregiver are well-suited for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers caregivers the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance dietary reporting methods for young children.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on dietary assessments for children, so it's unlikely that your medications would be affected.
What prior data suggests that this dietary assessment protocol is safe for children aged 2 to 5 years?
Research has shown that the ecological momentary assessment (EMA) method reliably tracks dietary intake. Studies have found that using EMA to record meals is both detailed and accurate. No evidence suggests that this method causes harm or discomfort. It primarily involves taking photos before and after meals, which is safe and easy.
In this trial, researchers use the EMA method alongside a traditional 24-hour dietary recall, where caregivers report what their child ate the previous day. Both methods have been used in research without any safety concerns. Participants typically find these methods easy and comfortable, as they only involve recording and reporting information.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to accurately capture what young children eat. The trial compares the traditional 24-hour dietary recall method, which relies on caregivers remembering and reporting what their child consumed, with a new approach that utilizes Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). This EMA-assisted method is unique because it involves caregivers taking photos of their child's meals and snacks over three days, which helps in providing more precise data. By comparing these two methods, researchers hope to find out if the EMA approach can improve accuracy in dietary reporting, leading to better understanding and recommendations for children's nutrition.
What evidence suggests that these dietary assessment methods are effective for evaluating early childhood dietary intake?
Research has shown that ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is an effective way to track eating habits. EMA gathers data in real-time, offering a detailed view of dietary intake. Studies have found that EMA accurately records food consumption, providing experts with a clearer understanding of dietary habits. In this trial, some participants will use the EMA-Assisted 24HR method, which combines EMA with traditional 24-hour dietary recalls. This approach may improve accuracy by capturing details that might otherwise be missed. Other participants will use the Traditional 24HR method, which relies on memory and can sometimes lead to errors. The trial aims to compare these methods to provide a more complete and precise view of children's eating patterns.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for caregivers of children aged 2-5 years who can provide meals and snacks to their child, complete dietary recalls via phone, and use an online platform for food tracking. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Traditional 24HR Condition
Caregivers provide study-provided foods to their child and complete a traditional 24-hour dietary recall using the USDA five-step multiple-pass method.
Washout Period
A two-week washout period between the two dietary assessment conditions.
EMA-Assisted 24HR Condition
Caregivers provide study-provided foods and use an online EMA platform to upload pre- and post-photographs of their child's eating occasions. They complete a 24HR via phone call with a trained research assistant.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for usability and acceptability of the dietary assessment protocols.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Ecological Momentary Assessment
- Traditional 24-hour dietary recall
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Lead Sponsor