Reliability and Validity of the Diet Quality Index for 7–9-year-old Indian Children

PURPOSE: This study verified the reliability and validity of the Diet Quality Index for Indian children (DQIIC). METHODS: The study sample included 100 school going boys and girls (7–9 years). The dietary behavior of children was studied using a questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. The DQIIC comprises 21 items which aimed to assess the diet of Indian children on the basis of variety, adequacy of consumption of dietary components, and moderation in the amount of nutrients that are associated with diseases and dietary habits. The reliability of the DQIIC was assessed using the split half method, Cronbach's alpha, and test retest reliability. Content validity was evaluated using content validity ratio (CVR). RESULTS: The intake of iron was found to be less than the recommended dietary allowances. There was frequent consumption of empty calorie packaged foods and higher than the recommended amount of sodium. Reliability of the DQIIC was 0.85 by split half method and the correlation coefficient for test retest reliability was 0.87. Cronbach's alpha was 0.62 and CVR was 0.85 for this index. Most of the children fell in the moderately healthy category. CONCLUSION: The DQIIC is a reliable and valid tool to assess the diet quality of Indian children between 7–9 years.