Black African women face disproportionately high rates of obesity, with prevalence reaching 37 % in the UK. These elevated rates significantly contribute to chronic non-communicable disease burdens, yet comprehensive dietary data for this group in the UK remain limited. Accurate dietary assessment is essential for identifying nutritional risks and guiding interventions, especially in ethnically diverse populations. Standard tools, including the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) FFQ, often lack cultural specificity and have not been adapted or validated for Black African populations in the UK. This study aimed to modify and validate a culturally tailored EPIC FFQ for dietary assessment among Black African adults in the UK. A cross-sectional study with 112 Black African women (BMI > 25 kg/m2) was conducted. The EPIC FFQ was adapted by including culturally relevant African foods, identified via literature review and three non-consecutive 24-h recalls using Intake24. Participants completed the modified FFQ, and nutrient intakes from both methods were compared using correlation analyses, adjusted for within-person variation. Bland-Altman plots and energy-adjusted correlations assessed agreement. The modified FFQ expanded to 141 food items and showed significant correlations with 24-h recalls for various nutrients. Crude correlation coefficients ranged from 0·21 (fibre) to 0·87 (protein); energy-adjusted values ranged from 0·19 to 0·86. De-attenuated correlations improved further. Bland-Altman plots showed systematic overestimation of intake, particularly protein and fibre, but good overall agreement. The adapted EPIC FFQ is a valid tool for dietary assessment in Black African adults, though overestimation occurred. Further validation using dietary biomarkers is recommended.
Keywords: Black African Women; Dietary assessment; FFQ; Validation.