Development and validation of the malnutrition risk perception scale for community-dwelling older adults

To develop and validate a malnutrition risk perception scale specifically tailored for community-dwelling older adults.

The initial item pool was developed through literature review, qualitative research, and team discussions. A pilot scale was refined via a Delphi consultation and preliminary survey. Data were collected in two phases using convenience sampling from community-dwelling older adults in China. In Phase 1 (n = 599), item response theory, classical test theory, and exploratory factor analysis were used for scale development. In Phase 2 (n = 507), confirmatory factor analysis and reliability and validity assessments were conducted.

The finalized scale included four dimensions and 35 items with appropriate difficulty, strong discrimination, and good characteristic curves. The overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.979, indicating high reliability. Exploratory factor analysis explained 71.949 % of variance, and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed good model fit.

The scale demonstrates strong psychometric properties and is suitable for assessing malnutrition risk perception in community-dwelling older adults.