Development of a Meat Frequency Questionnaire for Use in Diet and Cancer Studies

ObjectiveTo develop a meat frequency questionnaire to assess dietary heterocyclic amine intake. The meat frequency questionnaire is designed to obtain information on meat types, cooking methods, and doneness preferences that predict heterocyclic amine concentrations in different meats.DesignTotal and specific meat intakes were determined by a standard food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and compared with that determined by the meat frequency questionnaire.Subjects/settingThree-hundred fourteen African-American males participating in a clinic-based study of prostate disease and heterocyclic amine intake were administered the two questionnaires in a cancer education center prior to undergoing screening evaluations for prostate disease.Main outcome measuresFried, broiled, and grilled vs total meat intake was assessed using the meat frequency questionnaire vs FFQ, respectively. Specific meat items included in the meat frequency questionnaire were evaluated as factors potentially explaining discrepancies in meat intake estimated using the two questionnaires. Seasonal variation in meat intake was also examined.Statistical analysisCorrelation coefficients for intake of total meat and individual meat groups determined by FFQ vs meat frequency questionnaire were calculated. Seasonal differences in meat and estimated heterocyclic amine intakes were evaluated by t test, adjusted for multiple comparisons.ResultsMeat intakes determined by the two questionnaires were well-correlated (Pearson r=0.69); however, total meat assessed by the meat frequency questionnaire exceeded total meat assessed by the FFQ in 30% of participants. Total energy and intake of heterocyclic amine−associated meat were greatest when the meat frequency questionnaire was administered during winter months.ConclusionsThe heterocyclic amine meat frequency questionnaire provided a fractional measure of total meat intake and identified specific heterocyclic amine-containing meat items underreported in a standard FFQ.