The Characteristics, Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire...

Using a reliable and valid instrument to measure appetite is highly important in clinical practice and research. We aimed to evaluate characteristics, reliability and validity of the Persian version of simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire (SNAQ).

After face and content validation of the SNAQ by a panel of experts, the reliability and validity of the Persian form of this questionnaire were assessed among 213 weight-reduction seeking women referring to a nutrition clinic. Furthermore, the factor analysis was performed by varimax rotation method.

Confirmatory factor analysis shows that all items of the questionnaire are unified and loaded on one factor of "appetite". Internal consistency of the test was approved by Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.7. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was performed within a two weeks interval. The Pearson correlation showed a consistency of 0.85 between the two administrations (p<0.0001). Concurrent Validity of SNAQ with other eating questionnaires and visual analogue rating scale for appetite (r=0.7, p<0.001)) shows strong correlation. The SNAQ was positively correlated with total dietary calorie intake (r=0.23, p=0.018) Also convergent validity with body composition measurements shows positive weak correlation with body weight, waist circumference, and total body fat percentage, and negative correlation with muscle mass (divergent validity).

The current study provides sufficient supports in favor of the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the SNAQ. This questionnaire is a simple and valid instrument to assess the patient's increased appetite in practice and research.