Abstract
Background
The Food and Physical Activity Questionnaire (FPAQ) is incorporated into Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) impact evaluations. While individual subscales of the FPAQ have been developed and validated, the instrument’s overall construct validity and internal consistency remain unexamined.
Objective
Conduct a full-scale factor analysis of the 25-item FPAQ.
Study Design, Setting, Participants
We conducted a secondary analysis of 2023 national EFNEP evaluation data. We randomized participants (n = 26,839 adult EFNEP graduates) into 2 groups using the Solomon method for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n = 13,420) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n = 13,419).
Measurable Outcome/Analysis
The EFA and CFA models were estimated in FACTOR. A 5-factor model was selected based on the break in the Eigenvalue scree plot. We used weighted varimax rotation, and factors were extracted using robust unweighted least squares. Fit indices assessed to ascertain the extent to which the data fit the measurement models were χ2, comparative fit index (CFI), goodness of fit index (GFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Cronbach’s ⍺ were calculated using SAS.
Results
Twenty of the 25 FPAQ items loaded onto one of the 5 identified factors in EFA: milk, fruits and vegetables, food planning, food prices, and physical activity. Five items did not load onto any factor (soda consumption, cooking the main meal at home, yogurt consumption, thawing food on the counter, and using a meat thermometer). The EFA model had acceptable fit indexes with CFI = 0.98, GFI = 0.99, and RMSEA = 0.03. The CFA validated the EFA, with χ2 = 0.88, CFI = 1.00, GFI = 1.00, and RMSEA = 0.00. The full-scale Cronbach’s ⍺ = 0.84; factors with ≥ 3 items ranged from 0.76 to 0.81.
Conclusions
The findings suggest FPAQ is a valid and reliable instrument to measure adults’ nutrition behavior outcomes in EFNEP. Items that did not load onto a factor remain conceptually aligned with EFNEP education and are recommended for retention on the scale. The FPAQ demonstrates relevance for future program assessments, supporting accurate measurement of outcomes to better address the needs of the EFNEP audience.