Feasibility and usability of a voice-based dietary recall tool in older adults: A pilot comparison with ASA-24

Dietary assessment is important for identifying patterns that can influence an older adult's medical conditions. Existing assessments are dependent on the recall limit of the current use of dietary tools. This pilot study aimed to compare the short-term usability and acceptability of a novel voice-based dietary recall tool (DataBoard) to the traditional Automated Self-Administered Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA-24) in older adults.

Participants aged over 65 years old, meeting specific criteria, were recruited through Research For Me and Research Match across a six-month period in 2023-2024. During the session on Zoom, they were randomly assigned to complete either a voice-based recall via DataBoard or use ASA-24 first, followed by a semi-structured interview. DataBoard enables survey completion using speech input through shared links. We obtained data on meal choices, participant feedback, and preferences for either method using a 1-10 rating scale (low to high agreement). Descriptive statistics and qualitative coding were conducted.

We recruited 20 participants (mean age 70.5 ± 4.26 years, 55% female and 35% non-White). Feasibility and acceptability of DataBoard's voice-based recall were rated as 7.95/10 and 7.6/10. Participants rated the overall performance of DataBoard as easier than the ASA-24, with an average rating of 6.7/10. Participants preferred using DataBoard; they felt it could be used more frequently to report food than ASA-24 (mean 7.2/10). Dedoose analysis revealed preferences, challenges, and usability insights for DataBoard.

Older adults supported voice-based recall as a means to evaluate dietary intake. Further evaluation with larger cohorts of older adults could provide additional opportunities to create a better tool for food recall.