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Updated: May 18, 2026
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Concept Development and Use of an Automated Food Intake and Eating Behavior Assessment Method
Published on: February 19, 2021
The Attitudes and Patterns of Eating (APE) Questionnaire: development and factor analysis in a U.S. adolescent
D Quirk-Baillot1, M F Flament, A Allen
1Marie Curie Ecole Doctorale, 3C Cerveau Cognition Comportement, Université de Paris Pierre, Paris, France. d.baillot@free.fr
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|September 27, 2012
Summary
The Attitudes and Patterns of Eating (APE) Questionnaire, English version, was developed to assess adolescent eating habits and beliefs. Its internal consistency was confirmed, supporting its use in cross-cultural studies.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent nutrition
- Psychometrics
- Cross-cultural studies
Background:
- Adolescent eating behaviors are influenced by cultural and lifestyle factors.
- Existing tools may not adequately capture diverse eating patterns.
- Comparative studies require culturally sensitive assessment instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the creation of the Attitudes and Patterns of Eating (APE) Questionnaire, English version.
- To demonstrate the internal consistency of the APE Questionnaire for assessing adolescent food beliefs and eating habits.
- To facilitate comparative studies on adolescent eating across different cultures and lifestyles.
Main Methods:
- A collaborative research team of French and American researchers observed eating behaviors and reviewed comparative studies.
- Common eating-related themes were identified to construct questionnaire items.
- The English version of the APE Questionnaire was administered to a sample of 1230 U.S. high school students.
Main Results:
- Principal components analysis (PCA) identified five key components of adolescent eating patterns.
- These components include 'Eating Diet/Light Foods,' 'Unhealthy/Increased Eating,' 'Homemade Meals,' 'Skipping Meals,' and 'Healthy Eating.'
Conclusions:
- The APE Questionnaire (English version) demonstrated internal consistency through testing and factor analysis.
- Further studies are required to establish the global validity and reliability of both French and English versions.
- The APE Questionnaire is a promising tool for research on adolescent eating behaviors.
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