Dietary Diversity Questionnaire
What it is
The Dietary Diversity Questionnaire is a self-report measure assessing the range and variety of foods consumed over a defined recall period. Dietary diversity is associated with nutritional adequacy and overall physical health, and is increasingly recognised as relevant to mental health given the well-established relationship between nutrition, gut health, and psychological wellbeing.
This measure may be used in settings where physical health or nutritional factors are relevant to the clinical picture, including work with eating difficulties, chronic health conditions, or where lifestyle factors are being addressed as part of a broader intervention.
How is it used
- Suitable for adults aged 18 and over
- Assesses the variety of foods consumed across different food groups
- Can be used to identify patterns of dietary restriction or limited food variety
- Relevant in contexts including eating disorder assessment, physical health monitoring, and integrated mental-physical health approaches
- Specific scoring procedures and food groups assessed may vary by version — refer to your specific version for scoring guidance
What do the scores mean?
Higher diversity scores indicate a greater variety of foods consumed, which is generally associated with better nutritional adequacy and health outcomes. Lower scores indicate a more restricted dietary pattern.
Interpretation should take into account clinical context, dietary preferences, cultural factors, and any underlying medical or eating-related presentations. Scores should not be used in isolation and are best discussed as part of a broader clinical conversation.