How this calculator works
Each answer receives the weight in Table 1 of Johnston and colleagues' nine-item DRS. The items are not equally linear: any reported processed meat scores 3, while daily vegetables and fruit score 0 and all less-frequent options score 3. The original validation studied adults aged 35 to 75; generalisability is limited. Portion sizes and many nutrients are not assessed. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.
Formula
DRS = sum of nine item scores, each 0 to 3; total 0 to 27. Food frequencies use the published item-specific weights, including reversed scoring for nuts, fish, vegetables and fruit.
Worked example
Never consuming the first five groups and consuming the final four daily gives 0. Daily consumption of the first five and never consuming the final four gives 27.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
Does a score predict my chance of heart disease?
No. It summarises a few diet behaviours and is not a calibrated probability of disease.
Why does bread add points?
It appears in the original screener as a common sodium source. The tool does not distinguish every bread type or portion.
What can I do with the result?
Use the component table to discuss eating patterns with a registered dietitian. The original paper suggested referral above 18.