Validation of the French-Canadian Translation of the ecSatter Inventory 2.0 in an Adult Sample

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2024 Apr 25:S1499-4046(24)00054-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.008. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the psychometric proprieties of the French-Canadian translation of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (FrCanada ecSI 2.0).

Design: Cross-sectional validation study.

Participants and setting: 424 French-Canadian adult Facebook users (61.8% women, 96.0% White).

Variables measured: Eating competence and variables related to eating or body image.

Analysis: Factor analyses to assess the structural validity. Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient to estimate reliability. Chi-square test of independence, Student t test, and Pearson's correlations to assess construct validity.

Results: The mean eating competence score was 33.0 ± 7.8; 62.0% of participants were considered competent eaters (total score ≥ 32/48). The original 4-factor structure was not reproduced (unsatisfactory fit indices and/or factor loadings). Therefore, it is recommended to use the global score-but not the subscale scores-of the FrCanada ecSI 2.0. The questionnaire showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.86) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.81). Competent and noncompetent eaters differed according to gender (39.5% vs 27.3% male; P = 0.03), age (49.3 ± 13.6 vs 42.7 ± 14.2 years; P < 0.01), education (62.3% vs 50.6% with a university degree; P = 0.03), intuitive eating (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 3.1 ± 0.6; P < 0.001), cognitive restraint (12.3 ± 3.3 vs 13.8 ± 3.7; P < 0.001), and body esteem (3.3 ± 0.8 vs 2.5 ± 0.8; P < 0.001).

Conclusion and implications: Results suggest that the FrCanada ecSI 2.0 is a valid and reliable tool to measure eating competence in French-Canadian adults.

Keywords: eating behavior; eating competence; psychometrics; surveys and questionnaires; translations.