Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology—Nutritional Epidemiology (STROBE-nut): An Extension of the STROBE Statement

TLDR

Concerns about the quality of reporting in nutritional epidemiology have prompted the use of guidelines such as STROBE to improve observational study reporting. The authors propose extending the STROBE statement into STROBE‑nut to provide specific recommendations for nutritional epidemiology and dietary assessment research. A multidisciplinary group of 21 experts developed the recommendations through a systematic, consultative process, achieving consensus via a three‑round Delphi with 53 external experts. The resulting STROBE‑nut checklist contains 24 new recommendations, and its use is expected to enhance the reporting of diet‑and‑health observational studies.

Abstract

Background Concerns have been raised about the quality of reporting in nutritional epidemiology. Research reporting guidelines such as the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement can improve quality of reporting in observational studies. Herein, we propose recommendations for reporting nutritional epidemiology and dietary assessment research by extending the STROBE statement into Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology—Nutritional Epidemiology (STROBE-nut). Methods and Findings Recommendations for the reporting of nutritional epidemiology and dietary assessment research were developed following a systematic and consultative process, coordinated by a multidisciplinary group of 21 experts. Consensus on reporting guidelines was reached through a three-round Delphi consultation process with 53 external experts. In total, 24 recommendations for nutritional epidemiology were added to the STROBE checklist. Conclusion When used appropriately, reporting guidelines for nutritional epidemiology can contribute to improve reporting of observational studies with a focus on diet and health.