Extending the Validity of the Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire Solid Feeding Version (FPSQ-S) to Mothers...

Background/Objective: Parental feeding practices play an important role in shaping children's dietary intake, eating behaviours, and long-term health outcomes. Although several questionnaires assess feeding practices, few have been validated among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, despite these groups being disproportionately affected by food insecurity and diet-related health inequities. This study assessed the structural validity and internal consistency of the Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire-Solid Feeding version (FPSQ-S)-among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers and fathers of young children. Methods: Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted with 178 mothers and 94 fathers of children aged 5-35 months living in disadvantaged households. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the structural validity of the FPSQ-S. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and Hancock's H coefficients. Results: The original six-factor FPSQ-S structure was retained and demonstrated acceptable overall model fit in this disadvantaged sample (CFI = 0.846, TLI = 0.821, RMSEA = 0.070). Internal consistency ranged from acceptable to excellent across subscales (Cronbach's α = 0.63-0.93; Hancock's H = 0.64-0.93). Most items loaded satisfactorily onto their intended constructs; however, two items within the Feeding on Demand construct demonstrated weak factor loadings, and this construct showed lower reliability than the remaining subscales Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate the FPSQ-S among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers and fathers of children aged 5-35 months. The FPSQ-S demonstrated acceptable structural validity and reliability. While the six-factor structure was largely supported, further refinement of the Feeding on Demand construct and additional psychometric evaluation are warranted.