Update of the BEVQ-15, a beverage intake questionnaire for habitual beverage intake for adults: determining comparative validity and reproducibility

Introduction The BEVQ-15 is a beverage intake questionnaire that estimates the habitual average daily intake of 15 beverage categories (kcal and fl oz), as well as total sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and total beverages. However, subsequent to its initial validation in 2010, it has not been updated. The present study aimed to assess the convergent validity and reproducibility of the updated form of the BEVQ-15 to better reflect current beverage consumption trends. Methods The study population included adults (n = 50) aged >= 18 years, recruited from a local university community. Participation consisted of three laboratory visits within a 4-week period in which the updated BEVQ-15 was administered during the first and last visit and four 24-h dietary recalls were collected. BEVQ-15 modifications included removing limits of 60 fl oz per beverage, adding a nut milk category, and providing creamer and sweetener preferences for coffee/tea categories. Convergent validity was assessed by comparing reported beverage intake between the BEVQ-15 and dietary recalls. Reproducibility was assessed by comparing both BEVQ-15 administrations. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Bland-Altman plots and Spearman's correlations. Results For validity, Bland-Altman plot agreement between the BEVQ-15 and recalls was in the range 92-96% for total SSB and total beverage intake. For reproducibility, all beverage categories, total SSB, and total beverage intake were significantly correlated between the two BEVQ-15 administrations (r = 0.41-0.85; P <= 0.01). Conclusions This updated version of the BEVQ-15 demonstrated moderate convergent validity and reproducibility for total beverage consumption among well-educated southwest Virginia adults.