RESUMEN

This study examined the reliability and validity of the three-day estimated record provided by parents and caregivers of preschoolers. Subjects included a random sample of 146 preschoolers (24-47 months) in dual-earner families. Parents and caregivers completed a three-day estimated record for each child. Six weeks later they were randomly assigned into either a group completing a second estimated record (Group1) as a test of reliability, or a group completing a weighed record (Group 2) as a test of validity. For Group 1, significant differences (P<0.05) in group mean intakes of energy and four of 10 nutrients were found; however, the magnitude of the differences was considered small. Similar results were found for Group 2. Intra-person variation in energy and nutrient intakes exceeded inter-person variation (60-90% versus 10-40% of the total variation). The three-day estimated record provided by parents and caregivers of preschool children is reliable and valid at the group level, however, intra-person variation affects its use at the individual level. These results have implications for the design of future studies of preschool children with employed parents where food intake must be recorded by multiple caregivers. Researchers and practitioners are challenged to design new, simpler methods to measure food intake that lend themselves to the varied eating situations of many preschool children today.