Development of a Diet Quality Index for the Scottish Population

Secondary analysis of food purchase data has been used to monitor progress towards Scottish Dietary Targets (Goals) since 2001, however little work has been carried out to assess the overall quality of the diet of the Scottish population. A diet quality index (DQI) is a useful tool that provides an overall rating of an individual's dietary intake in reference to nutrient and/or dietary recommendations or a diet pattern that is considered to be beneficial to health. Numerous diet quality indices have been created as summary measures of diet, but to our knowledge, none are available that include all of the Scottish Dietary Goals.