Measuring Household Food Inventory with a UPC Scanner is a Feasible Method of Studying Food Usage Patterns in Low Income Families
Abstract
This study determines the feasibility of using a UPC scanner to record the home food inventory of limited-resource families. Feasibility is based on the accuracy of the scanner, time involved, and researcher/study participant feedback. Program staff used a traditional line-item inventory approach to record 19,834 food items during 95 separate home visits of 36 families. Researchers used the UPC scanner to record 5,920 food items, 30% of the total home food inventory. A subsequently resolved data transfer error resulted in the loss of a small number of additional food items scanned. The scanner accuracy measured 96.6% (5661/5920) and offered a 31.8% timesavings over the traditional line item inventory approach. Researchers reported the UPC scanner to be easy to use and less time consuming than a written food inventory and participants reported that scanning food items was non-intrusive. The UPC scanner is a feasible method of recording the home food inventory the accuracy and simplicity of this approach can provide useful information on foods available for consumption within a home.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA414472
Entities
People
- James L. Weinstein
Organizations
- University of Connecticut