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Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the main meal quality index when applied in the UK population

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 71, pages 674–676 (2017)Cite this article

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Abstract

Background/Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Main Meal Quality Index when applied on the UK population.

Subjects/Methods:

The indicator was developed to assess meal quality in different populations, and is composed of 10 components: fruit, vegetables (excluding potatoes), ratio of animal protein to total protein, fiber, carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fat, processed meat, sugary beverages and desserts, and energy density, resulting in a score range of 0–100 points. The performance of the indicator was measured using strategies for assessing content validity, construct validity, discriminant validity and reliability, including principal component analysis, linear regression models and Cronbach’s alpha.

Results:

The indicator presented good reliability.

Conclusions:

The Main Meal Quality Index has been shown to be valid for use as an instrument to evaluate, monitor and compare the quality of meals consumed by adults in the United Kingdom.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development (process number 142341/2013-4) and by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (process number 2014/19355-6).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    B M Gorgulho & D M Marchioni

  2. Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, King’s College London, London, UK

    G K Pot

  3. Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    G K Pot

Authors
  1. B M Gorgulho
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  2. G K Pot
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  3. D M Marchioni
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D M Marchioni.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Gorgulho, B., Pot, G. & Marchioni, D. Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the main meal quality index when applied in the UK population. Eur J Clin Nutr 71, 674–676 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.175

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.175

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