[Validation of the Italian version of the questionnaire on nutrition knowledge by Moynihan]

A series of validation studies was performed on the Moynihan questionnaire to obtain data on nutrition knowledge, translated and adapted to Italian eating habits. Higher scores mean lower knowledge.

Test-retest reliability was assessed administering the questionnaire at a 15-day interval in 52 inpatients. Factor structure and correlation with demographic and anthropometric characteristics were studied on a larger sample, which included a number of health professionals. Finally, sensitivity to change induced by an educational program was verified in a sample of 11 patients with type 1 diabetes.

Test-retest reliability was satisfactory; factor structure suggested one single principal component. Test scores were inversely correlated with age (r = 0.24; p = 0.02), but not with body mass index or waist circumference. Patients with higher education show a greater degree of nutrition knowledge. Among type 1 diabetic patients, an educational program induces a significant improvement of test scores (from 20.6 [18.6-22.8] to 16.6 [15.5-17.7], p = 0.003).

The Italian version of the questionnaire appears to be psychometrically adequate for its use in clinical research.