Psychometric Analyses of the Eating and Food Literacy Behaviors Questionnaire with University Students

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2020

Abstract

Objectives: This study developed and validated a questionnaire to measure young adults’ perceived food literacy and behaviors toward food and created an explanatory model. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Large southeastern US university. Participants: A total of 1,896 students, aged 18–30 years, were recruited. Data from 1,813 were analyzed. Variables Measured: Health and nutrition, taste, food preparation, planning and decision-making, and convenience. Analysis: Exploratory factor analysis, test-retest reliability, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were performed. Results: Exploratory factor analysis returned 5 factors with acceptable internal structure. Test-retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0.63 to 0.92. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested that a 5-factor model was an appropriate fit for the data (χ2 = 588.05; degrees of freedom = 142; root mean square error of approximation = 0.06; comparative fit index = 0.98; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.97; standardized root mean square residual = 0.05). Structural equation modeling revealed relationships from health and nutrition to food preparation (0.25, P < 0.001), planning and/or decision-making (0.57, P < 0.001), taste (−0.14, P < 0.001), and convenience (−0.31, P < 0.001). The structural equation model demonstrated adequate fit (adjusted goodness of fit = 0.91; comparative fit index = 0.93; non-normed fit index = 0.91; root mean square error of approximation = 0.06; and standardized root mean square residual = 0.07) and a significant chi-square test (χ2 = 628.92; degrees of freedom = 171, P < 0.001). Conclusions and Implications: Young adults consider food literacy-related factors and behavioral concerns when making food choices.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

First Page

1008

Last Page

1017

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS