Work

Assessing a self-administered dietary 24h-recall tool using ASA24 in the Swiss context: Acceptability, usability and reported dietary intake across age groups

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background & Aims: The 24-hour dietary recall is a widely recommended tool in nutrition research. The Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) is a free, web-based tool, validated in North America and available in Canadian French. This observational study aimed to assess the acceptability, usability, and reported dietary intake patterns of a self-assessment 24h-recall tool, using ASA24, across different age groups in French-speaking Switzerland. Methods: French-speaking participants with internet access were recruited across different age groups. A preparatory phase included a pre-test of ASA24 and the development of a tutorial video and user guide. In the main study, participants completed ASA24 on two non-consecutive days, answered an online survey including the System Usability Scale (SUS); and a subsample took part in a semi-structured interview. Results: Of 129 interested individuals, 92 were included and 80 (62%) completed the main study. Most were women (n=55, 70%), Swiss nationals (n=64, 80%), and comfortable with technology (n=55, 70%). Mean (±SD) completion time was 35±18 minutes for the first recall and 28±15 for the second, with longer durations among older adults (52±26 and 42±20 minutes). SUS scores averaged 65±17 (acceptable score: 52-73), ranging from 58±24 in older adults to 71±17 in younger adults. Reported challenges included finding local foods, estimating portion sizes in ounces, and understanding the AM/PM time format. Conclusions: ASA24 was well accepted and usable among younger adults, with some limitations observed in the other age groups. With appropriate adaptations to the local context, ASA24 could become a valuable tool for dietary assessment in Switzerland.

Source: Digital Health

DOI: 10.1177/20552076261490694