Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Preschool Eating, Lifestyle, and Sleeping Attitudes (PRELSA) scale

Childhood obesity in preschool years is strongly influenced by modifiable parental attitudes and behaviors. This study examined the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Preschool Eating, Lifestyle, and Sleeping Attitudes (PRELSA) Scale, which assesses parental attitudes related to childhood obesity during the preschool period.

This methodological study was conducted with 460 parents of children aged 2-6 years from seven preschools in Central Anatolia, Türkiye. Data were collected using a family and child information form and the PRELSA Scale. The adaptation process included forward-backward translation, expert review, face validity assessment, and psychometric evaluation. Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

The Turkish version comprised 39 items across 13 subscales. The overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.887. Exploratory factor analysis explained 58.5% of the total variance, with factor loadings ranging from 0.353 to 0.890. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable model fit (χ²/df = 1.434, RMSEA = 0.031, SRMR = 0.046, CFI = 0.904, IFI = 0.907, GFI = 0.911, TLI = 0.888). Test-retest reliability was high (r = 0.911), and the ICC was 0.865 (95% CI: 0.738-0.933), indicating good temporal stability.

The Turkish PRELSA Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing parental attitudes toward eating behaviors, physical activity, screen use, and sleep routines in early childhood.