Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the food choice questionnaire and food choice motives among the study population

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the food choice questionnaire (FCQ) and determine food choice motives among different study subgroups. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires, including socio-demographic information and body weight and height data. In addition, study samples were asked to complete the Persian version of the FCQ. SETTING: Educational and medical centres under the coverage of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. PARTICIPANTS: Study samples were 871 adults (60·5 % female) selected using a convenience sampling method. RESULTS: Mean ± sd age and BMI were 33·4 ± 10·7 years and 24·3 ± 5·2 kg/m(2), respectively. More than one-third of the study samples were overweight/obese (35·8 %). A nine-structure model including thirty-two items of the original FCQ showed acceptable fit indices as follows: χ(2)/df = 3·39, goodness-of-fit index = 0·905, incremental fit index = 0·92, comparative fit index = 0·92, root mean square error of approximation (90 % CI) = 0·052 (0·049, 0·055). Regarding food choice motives, the three most important motives for food choice ranked by study samples were sensory appeal, natural content and health, respectively. Study samples ranked ethical concern as the least important food choice motive. CONCLUSION: These findings support the reliability and validity of the Iranian version of the FCQ. Additionally, results indicate the most important motives for food choice across various socio-demographic and weight status groups which can provide beneficial information for marketing practices in Iran and promote the food choices of Iranians.