determinants of health

Food consumption data were collected in the national sample (3 years and older) using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls (or records in the case of children) performed with the GloboDiet software. The 24-hour recall method is discussed in detail on page 12 of the methodology report available on https://fcs.sciensano.be . The resulting “Detailed GloboDiet dataset” contains multiple rows for each participant and each recall day, corresponding to the list of consumed foods and recipes by the participant on a certain recall day.

The “FFQ dataset for Brussels” includes the data coming from the FFQ used in the oversample in Brussels. The “FFQ dataset for Brussels” contains multiple rows per participant, corresponding to the different food items investigated in the FFQ. Indeed, for each participant and each food item, the dataset includes the frequency of consumption, the portion size, the number of portions consumed and the consumed quantity.

A national Health Interview Survey (HIS) provides an overall picture of the health status of the population and allows to identify the main health problems, as well as the social and behavioral factors that influence them. This information enables health authorities to pursue a proactive health policy aimed at improving public health and addressing the needs of groups at risk.

In a Health Examination Survey (HES) objective health information is collected among a representative sample of the total population, including those who have no contact with health services. The collection of objective health measures at population level is particularly important for items that are often not accurately reported in a health interview survey (e.g. height and weight) and for diseases that may be present without any symptoms but have important health consequences (e.g. high blood pressure or high cholesterol level in the blood).