Validation of electronic diary (PRO-Diary) compared to validated paper questionnaires in normal individuals

A 2 way randomised cross-over study was carried out in 50 individuals to compare paper versus electronic questionnaires. Three questionnaires were trialled: – food, sleep and mood/alertness. The food visual analogue scales (VAS) were completed prior to and after consuming a cereal bar. The sleep and mood/alertness questionnaire were completed for 7 days with the mood/alertness questionnaire being completed three times a day. Food VAS data showed similar results after all observations except for how full do you feel with the last two time-points falling well below baseline values in the paper questionnaire responses. It could be suggested that the PRO-Diary gives a more realistic response. The sleep diary showed no significant differences in all observations except light on time however as the subjects get up time was not significantly different this is probably due to time of the year when recording the data as some individuals did not need to switch on artificial lights as natural daylight was sufficient so any time was entered.. The mood and alertness questionnaires all results show no significant difference except for two observations at 2100h where KSS and how calm would you rate your mood observations were different. This may indicate boredom associated with the study as this was the last timepoint in the day or could be related to a drop in concentration for memorising answers already recorded.