Development and validation of the Food Noise Questionnaire

Abstract

Objective: Food noise has received attention in the media, although no validated questionnaires exist to measure it. This study developed and tested the reliability and validity of the Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ).

Methods: Participants (N = 400) successfully completed, the FNQ and a demographic questionnaire and self-reported weight and height. A subsample (n = 150) completed the FNQ 7 days later for test-retest reliability, and this subsample's first FNQ data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis. The remaining subsample (n = 250) completed two preoccupation with food questionnaires to test convergent validity, along with mood, anxiety, and stress questionnaires to test for discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using this subsample's FNQ data.

Results: Data from 396 participants were analyzed (4 participants did not complete all FNQ items). The FNQ had excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach α = 0.93) and high test-retest reliability (r = 0.79; p < 0.001; mean [SD] = 7.4 [1.0] days between administration). Factor analyses found that the five FNQ items loaded onto a single factor, with good fit indices (χ²[5] = 52.87, p < 0.001; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.20; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.95; standardized root mean squared residual [SRMR] = 0.03). The FNQ showed good convergent (all r > 0.78; p < 0.001) and discriminant (all r < 0.39; p < 0.001) validity.

Conclusions: The FNQ provides a psychometrically reliable and valid measure of food noise, although further research is needed to evaluate its clinical utility.