[Validation of the Italian version of the questionnaire on nutrition knowledge by Moynihan].
OBJECTIVE
A series of validation studies was performed on the Moynihan questionnaire to obtain data on nutrition knowledge, translated and adapted to Italian eating habits. Higher scores mean lower knowledge.


METHODS
Test-retest reliability was assessed administering the questionnaire at a 15-day interval in 52 inpatients. Factor structure and correlation with demographic and anthropometric characteristics were studied on a larger sample, which included a number of health professionals. Finally, sensitivity to change induced by an educational program was verified in a sample of 11 patients with type 1 diabetes.


RESULTS
Test-retest reliability was satisfactory; factor structure suggested one single principal component. Test scores were inversely correlated with age (r = 0.24; p = 0.02), but not with body mass index or waist circumference. Patients with higher education show a greater degree of nutrition knowledge. Among type 1 diabetic patients, an educational program induces a significant improvement of test scores (from 20.6 [18.6-22.8] to 16.6 [15.5-17.7], p = 0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
The Italian version of the questionnaire appears to be psychometrically adequate for its use in clinical research.
Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi Firenze.
Letizia
L
da Vico
Barbara
B
Biffi
Susanna
S
Agostini
Silvia
S
Brazzo
Maria Luisa
ML
Masini
Francesco
F
Fattirolli
Edoardo
E
Mannucci
D004521:Educational Measurement; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires