The Arabic Version of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire among Saudi Population: Translation and Validation

Abstract

Inherited individual differences in eating behaviors known as “appetitive traits” can be measured using the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ). The AEBQ can be used to assess individuals that require intervention regarding their weight, eating habits, and for the identification of eating disorders. Arabic eating behavior assessment tools are few. This study, therefore, aimed to translate and validate the AEBQ in Arabic language (AEBQ-Ar) and to confirm the factor structure while assessing the internal consistency of all subscales. Participants completed the AEBQ-Ar and reported their sociodemographic data online. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used and internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α. Correlations between AEBQ-Ar subscales and body mass index (BMI) were done using Pearson’s correlation. A sample of 596 adults, mean age of 35.61 ± 12.85 years, was recruited from Saudi Arabia. The 6-factor structure was the best model, excluding emotional under- eating subscale and merging enjoyment of food and food responsiveness subscales. Internal consistency was acceptable for all subscales (Cronbach’s α = 0.89–0.66). Emotional over- eating was positively associated with BMI, and slowness in eating was negatively associated with BMI. The AEBQ-Ar with 6-subscales appears to be a valid and reliable psychometric questionnaire to assess appetitive traits in Arabic speakers.