Adapting and validating the FOODLIT-Tool in Turkish: a psychometric study on food literacy for sustainability

This study aimed to adapt and validate the FOODLIT-Tool in Turkish to assess sustainable food literacy among Turkish adults. The adaptation addresses a lack of psychometrically validated instruments for measuring food literacy and sustainability-oriented eating behaviours in Turkey.

A psychometric evaluation was conducted, including forward-translation, back-translation and cultural adaptation steps, followed by expert review for content validation. Construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and internal consistency was evaluated to ensure reliability.

Data collection was conducted online via Google Forms between July and August 2024.

A total of 482 participants aged 18 to 65 years residing in Turkey voluntarily completed the Turkish version of the FOODLIT-Tool, along with a general information form and the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behavior Scale.

CFA results demonstrated an acceptable model fit (χ²/df = 3·67, CFI = 0·91, RMSEA = 0·07). Cronbach's α values ranged from 0·60 to 0·91 across the sub-dimensions, indicating adequate to excellent internal consistency. Significant positive correlations were found between FOODLIT subscales and sustainable eating behaviours. Women scored significantly higher in culinary competence, production quality and environmental awareness.

The adapted Turkish version of the FOODLIT-Tool demonstrates satisfactory validity and reliability for evaluating food literacy and sustainable dietary practices among Turkish adults. The scale serves as a useful assessment tool for future research and intervention studies focusing on sustainable nutrition. Further validation using representative samples and longitudinal designs is warranted before its application in public health or policy-making contexts.