Abstract
Objectives
This study developed and validated a questionnaire to measure young adults’ perceived
food literacy and behaviors toward food and created an explanatory model.
Design
Cross-sectional.
Setting
Large southeastern US university.
Participants
A total of 1,896 students, aged 18–30 years, were recruited. Data from 1,813 were
analyzed.
Variables Measured
Health and nutrition, taste, food preparation, planning and decision-making, and convenience.
Analysis
Exploratory factor analysis, test-retest reliability, confirmatory factor analysis,
and structural equation modeling were performed.
Results
Exploratory factor analysis returned 5 factors with acceptable internal structure.
Test-retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0.63 to 0.92. Confirmatory factor
analysis suggested that a 5-factor model was an appropriate fit for the data (χ2 = 588.05; degrees of freedom = 142; root mean square error of approximation = 0.06;
comparative fit index = 0.98; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.97; standardized root mean square
residual = 0.05). Structural equation modeling revealed relationships from health
and nutrition to food preparation (0.25, P < 0.001), planning and/or decision-making (0.57, P < 0.001), taste (−0.14, P < 0.001), and convenience (−0.31, P < 0.001). The structural equation model demonstrated adequate fit (adjusted goodness
of fit = 0.91; comparative fit index = 0.93; non-normed fit index = 0.91; root mean
square error of approximation = 0.06; and standardized root mean square residual = 0.07)
and a significant chi-square test (χ2 = 628.92; degrees of freedom = 171, P < 0.001).
Conclusions and Implications
Young adults consider food literacy-related factors and behavioral concerns when making
food choices.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 25, 2020
Accepted:
May 8,
2020
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors have not stated any conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
