The Minimal Eating Observation Form-II Danish Version: Psychometric and Metrological Aspects

Albert Westergren; Dorte Melgaard

doi:10.1891/JNM-D-18-00084

The Minimal Eating Observation Form-II Danish Version: Psychometric and Metrological Aspects

J Nurs Meas. 2020 Mar 16:JNM-D-18-00084. doi: 10.1891/JNM-D-18-00084. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Albert Westergren^{1

2}, Dorte Melgaard³

Affiliations

¹ Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden Albert.Westergren@hkr.se.
² Lund University, Lund, Sweden Albert.Westergren@hkr.se.
³ North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjørring, Denmark.

PMID: 32179727
DOI: 10.1891/JNM-D-18-00084

Abstract

Background and purpose: The Minimal Eating Observation Form - II (MEOF-II) is a screening and research tool for eating difficulties. We assess psychometric and metrological aspects of the Danish version of the tool.

Methods: This study includes MEOF-II data from 302 acute geriatric patients. Analyses were based on Classical Test Theory and Rasch Model Analysis.

Results: 51.3% of the patients had eating difficulties. The MEOFII items belonged to one higher order factor, and three lower level factors: deglutition; ingestion; and energy/appetite. The hierarchical structure of the items was revealed. The MEOF-II had a good fit with Rasch model expectations.

Conclusion: The study provides support for the reliability and validity of the Danish version of the MEOF-II. MEOF-II total and subscale scores are reliable and valid for use in nursing practice and research.

Keywords: MEOF-II; Rasch model analysis; factor analysis; principal component analysis; reliability; tetrachoric.