An evaluation of the validity and reliability of a food behavior checklist modified for children

The objective of this study was to report the construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the Food Behavior Checklist modified for children (FBC-MC), with low-income, Youth Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)-eligible children.

Using a cross-sectional research design, construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (weighted least squares method), and internal consistency reliability for 3 subscales was assessed using Cronbach alpha.

Ninety-seven children from low-income families completed the FBC-MC. Indicator tests suggest adequate model fit (comparative fit index = 0.962; root mean square error of approximation = 0.064) and item factor loadings were significant for all subscales (P < .05). The instrument appeared to have adequate reliability for 1 subscale (fruit and vegetable consumption, alpha = 0.67), but not for the other 2 (milk consumption, alpha = 0.43; healthful eating behaviors, alpha = 0.56).

The FBC-MC may be a suitable instrument for evaluating dietary behaviors among Youth EFNEP-eligible children; however, more work is needed to establish internal reliability and criterion validity.