Development of A new scale to determine food and nutritional literacy levels of late term adolescents: food and nutritional literacy scale-validity and reliability study

Developing a New Scale to Determine the Food and Nutrition Literacy Levels of Late Term Adolescent: Food and Nutrition Literacy Scale-Validity and Reliability Study Aim: Measurement tools developed in the field of FNL are criticized for their narrow scope and limited number. In this study, it is aimed to develop a comprehensive measurement tool that can evaluate FNL holistically. Material and Method: This methodological research's sample consists of a total of 600 students aged 18-21 studying in the central campuses of a university. In order to develop the FNL scale, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, and expert opinion was obtained. Content, face, and structure validity provided. Criterion validity was applied to test the distinguishing feature of the scale. Within the scope of reliability analysis, reliability coefficients, test-retest, and item analysis were performed. Results: CVI's of FNL field sizes were found as ≥0.83. FNL scale's domain of knowledge consists of 5 factors and dimensions of attitudes and behaviors of four factors. Explained total variance rates were found to be the lowest and the highest, 54.62% -62.32%. CFA model fit indexes are quite good. Women's knowledge level in criterion validity is higher than men's, and it is statistically significant (p<0.05). The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the domain dimensions of the FNL scale knowledge, attitude, and behavior are ≥0.60. According to the test-retest results, a highly reliable positive correlation was found (lowest r=0.74; p<0.01). The distinctiveness of the items in the scale is found to be quite high. Conclusion: FNL scale can be used as a valid and reliable scale that can evaluate FNL levels in young people aged 18-21. Key Words: Adolescent, Nutritional Assessment, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice, Health Literacy, Validity.