Background and aims: In Saudi Arabia, very limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the validity of culturally appropriate food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The aim of this study was to validate a newly designed FFQ against two reference methods in Saudi adults. Methods: A new FFQ adapted from the Block FFQ was completed via interview and validated against three-day food records (3DFRs; n = 126) and 24-hour urinary urea nitrogen (UUN)-based protein intake estimates (n = 118) in adult Saudis living in Jeddah. FFQ-estimated nutrient intake was compared to the 3DFR and UUN methods using Pearson’s correlations (r), Bland–Altman plots, and weighted kappa (κ_w) statistics. Results: This study included 126 participants (80 females and 46 males). The FFQ generally overreported nutrient intakes compared to the reference methods. The FFQ was strongly correlated with 3DFRs for energy, protein, carbohydrate, and total fat (r > 0.7); moderately correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.55) and iron (r = 0.44); and weakly correlated with the other micronutrients (r = 0.1–0.3). A moderate positive correlation for protein intake was found (r = 0.62) between the FFQ and 24-hour UUN method. The Bland–Altman analysis indicated the FFQ had an acceptable level of agreement with no significant proportional bias (P > 0.05) with the 3DFRs for energy, protein, total fat, and iron and with protein intake. Similarly, an acceptable level of agreement was found between the FFQ and the 24-hour UUN method for estimating protein intake. Cross-classification analysis showed that ≥ 50% of participants were ranked within the same quartile for energy, protein, and total fat. The FFQ showed good agreement with the 3DFRs for energy and protein (κ_w ≥ 0.61) and acceptable agreement with protein intake. An acceptable agreement was reported between the FFQ and 24-hour UUN method (κ_w = 0.56). Separate analyses of females and males showed stronger correlations and agreements between the FFQ and the two reference methods only in females. Conclusion: The developed FFQ is an effective and valid tool for assessing dietary intake in Saudi adults. However, it still requires future optimization to improve its validity.

Background: Nutritional support has a pivotal role in preventing and treating malnutrition. Recognizing the gaps in nutritional support practice can aid the development of tailored nutritional protocols. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the current practices, attitudes, and perceptions related to nutritional support for hospitalized patients in one of the largest Middle Eastern countries.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among different healthcare professionals currently working in hospitals in Saudi Arabia and involved in nutritional support practice. Data were collected using convenient sample via a self-administered web-based questionnaire.Results: A total of 114 participants were included in this study. The majority were dietitians (54%), followed by physicians (33%) and pharmacists (12%), and were from the western region (71.9%). Various attitudes in many practices were observed among the participants. Only 44.7% of the participants had a formal nutritional support team. The mean confidence level of all respondents was significantly higher for enteral nutrition practice (7.7 ± 2.3) than for parenteral nutrition practice (6.1 ± 2.5) (p< 0.01). The confidence level for enteral nutrition practice was significantly influenced by nutritional qualification (β = 0.202,p< 0.05), type of healthcare facility (β = 0.210, p < 0.05), profession (β = -0.308,p< 0.01), and years of experience (β = 0.220,p< 0.05).Conclusion: This study comprehensively assessed various aspects of nutritional support practice in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare practice of nutritional support should be guided by evidence-based guidelines. Professional qualification and training in nutritional support are essential for promoting practice in hospitals.