New technologies to measure food consumption

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a technology-mediated method using short surveys, food images, and wrist-worn accelerometers to collect data to understand food consumption in young adults.

Are you interested in understanding the context of your eating behaviour? Do factors such as stress level, mood, and social environment influence what you eat?

This study uses technology-mediated methods such as smartphone-administered short surveys, food images, and wrist-worn accelerometers to collect data on food consumption in young adults.

It is a 16-day study where you will be required to: (1) capture everything you eat and drink using your smartphone camera on 12 of the 16 days; (2) complete short surveys on your smartphone on 8 of the 16 days; (3) wear a smartwatch-like device on the same 8 days as the short surveys; and (4) complete 4 researcher-administered dietary recalls.

Your data will be extremely valuable to this research area. Upon completion, you will receive compensation for your time. 

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Are aged between 18-30 years (inclusive)
• Own a smartphone
• Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have not been diagnosed with an eating disorder, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Are not currently tracking or logging your diet on a regular basis
• Are you able to visit the University of Sydney (Camperdown/Darlinghurst campus) on three occasions over the course of the 16-day study 

If you are interested in assisting with this important and exciting area of research, please complete this screener and questionnaire: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=4D4KC77K3J9PTJJL. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact PhD Candidate Leanne Wang at lwan4745@uni.sydney.edu.au. 

Ethics committee approval number: 2022/380