What is the ASA24 Dietary Assessment Tool?
ASA24 is a free, web-based software tool from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) designed to collect detailed dietary intake data from individuals. It is used by researchers, clinicians, and educators to gather information about food, beverage, and dietary supplement consumption. ASA24 automates the process of administering 24-hour dietary recalls or food records through a guided, self-reported interface, making it accessible on computers, tablets, and mobile devices for various study sizes.
Key Components of the ASA24 System
The ASA24 system operates through two main web applications.
The Respondent Website
This is where participants record their dietary intake. It guides users through a multi-pass method to improve recall accuracy. Features include an intuitive interface, prompts for forgotten foods, portion size images, and functionality for reporting ingredients and recipes. Optional modules can also collect data on eating location and sleep patterns.
The Researcher Website
This application is used by researchers to manage studies, access data, and monitor participant progress. It allows for study configuration, provides downloadable data files for analysis, and can generate reports, including an optional nutrition report for participants.
How ASA24 Works: The Step-by-Step Methodology
ASA24's recall process is based on the USDA's validated Automated Multiple-Pass Method (AMPM). A 24-hour recall in ASA24 typically involves several steps to enhance accuracy:
- Quick List: Participants list initial items consumed.
- Forgotten Foods Probe: The system prompts for commonly forgotten items.
- Meal Gap Review: Users review time gaps between eating occasions.
- Detail Pass: Specific details like portion size (with images), preparation, and ingredients are collected for each item.
- Final Review: A complete list of reported intake is presented for final verification.
ASA24: A Comparative Perspective
Here's a comparison of ASA24 with other dietary assessment methods:
| Feature | ASA24 | Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) | Interviewer-Administered 24HR (AMPM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (for researchers) | Varies by commercial tool | High (requires trained interviewers) |
| Administration | Self-administered via web | Self-administered or interviewer-administered | Interviewer-administered |
| Data Detail | High (detailed foods, portion sizes) | Low to moderate (frequency and portion estimation) | High (detailed, but reliant on interviewer skill) |
| Participant Burden | Moderate (approx. 24 mins per recall) | Low (single questionnaire) | Moderate to high (live interview) |
| Recall Period | Retrospective (24-hour) or real-time food record | Habitual intake (e.g., past month or year) | Retrospective (24-hour) |
| Bias | Lower systematic bias than FFQ | Higher risk of systematic error | High quality data, but still subject to recall bias |
| Automation | Fully automated data coding and analysis | Automated scoring available | Manual coding required |
| Accessibility | Requires internet/device, suitable for ages 12+ | Can be paper or online | Interview can mitigate technology/literacy barriers |
Benefits and Limitations of Using ASA24
Benefits of ASA24
ASA24 is a cost-effective and efficient tool for dietary data collection. Its automation reduces researcher burden and manual coding, while the multi-pass method and visual aids enhance data quality and recall accuracy. The web-based, self-administered format is feasible for large studies and accessible on multiple devices.
Limitations of ASA24
The tool requires users to have sufficient literacy and comfort with technology, which may limit its use in certain populations. There can also be limitations in reporting culturally specific foods. As with other self-report methods, there is a potential for underreporting, and an internet connection is required.
Conclusion
The 24-hour dietary assessment tool ASA24 is a valuable, free resource for collecting detailed dietary data in research, clinical, and educational settings. Its automated, multi-pass approach enables the collection of high-quality data at a lower cost compared to traditional methods. While accessibility and cultural food specificity are considerations, ASA24 remains a powerful and efficient solution for assessing dietary intake, particularly in large populations.
You can find more information about ASA24 on the official NCI website.
