Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the main meal quality index when applied in the UK population.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Main Meal Quality Index when applied on the UK population.



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.



The indicator presented good reliability.



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.
Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
B M
BM
Gorgulho
Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, King's College London, London, UK.|Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
G K
GK
Pot
Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
D M
DM
Marchioni
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D063427:Food Quality; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D062407:Meals; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D006113:United Kingdom; D014675:Vegetables
D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D018977:Micronutrients; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol