Qualitative Evaluation of a Diet Self-Monitoring Tool in a Sample of Older Adults

Abstract Objectives Adherence to diet self-monitoring tools typically declines over time. Diet self-monitoring tools often ask people to itemize their foods and record their serving sizes. This method of tracking does not conform to food guides that resemble a plate. The objective of this study is to explore the perceptions of healthy older adults on the usability of a traditional food journal (Journal) compared to a simplified plate-based (Plate) tool based on the 2019 Canada's Food Guide. Methods A crossover study design was used to evaluate the two tools. Participants (n = 48) were randomized to track their food on three days using either the Journal or the Plate for one week then the other tool for the following week. Once complete, 45 participants completed semi-structured interviews to assess their perceptions of the tools and their preferences. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. Results The main themes identified for the Plate were “easy”, “visual”, and “quick” whereas for the Journal were “detail”, “quantification”, and “familiarity”, with 46.7% and 46.7% preferring the Plate and Journal respectively (6.7% preferred neither tool). When asked about using the tools for future dietary changes, 62.2% and 31.1% preferred the Plate and Journal respectively (6.7% preferred neither tool). Conclusions A simplified tool such as a plate is an acceptable self-monitoring tool for older adults. Future studies will be test adherence to self-monitoring using this simplified plate based self-monitoring tool. Funding Sources R. Howard Webster Foundation