Developing and Validating Food Choice Determinants Questionnaire: An Instrument for Exploring Food Choice Determinants in Iran

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to design and validate a questionnaire to measure the majority of factors influencing food choices among adults in Iran. METHODS: A sequential exploratory mixed-method approach was applied to develop the initial item pool of the Food Choice Determinants Questionnaire (FCDQ) starting with a qualitative study to explore the food choice dimensions and its components. Designing the initial questionnaire using these dimensions and the 36-item Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) was then performed. The face, content, and construct validity were also assessed. The construct validity of the questionnaire was assessed using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Cronbach's alpha was applied for each main theme to examine the internal consistency. RESULTS: After content and face validity process, a 60-item FCDQ was developed with total items' content validity index (CVI) of 0.69 indicating a reasonable level. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each of the six constructs in the scale have shown satisfactory internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: This instrument is valid and reliable to measure food choice determinants in adults and could be applied to design interventions aiming to better food choice.