The Eating Habits Confidence Survey: Reliability and Validity in Overweight and Obese Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Psychometric properties of the Eating Habits Confidence Survey (EC) were evaluated in a sample of 86 overweight and obese postmenopausal women. Methods: Inter-item correlations and coefficient alphas of the total and subscale scores were conducted. Correlations of the EC to the Eating Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES), Eating Behavior Inventory (EBI), and Binge Eating Scale (BES) were examined as approaches to concurrent and contrast validity. Results: Cronbach’s alphas were adequate for total (.83) and subscale (.64–.80) scores. Only the EC subscale “sticking to it” correlated with the other eating scales. This correlation demonstrates concurrent validity with the other scales that reflected persistence in healthy eating, and contrast validity with them in that the other scales measured different issues under the rubric of eating self-efficacy and behaviors. Conclusions: Thus, the EC performed well among a different demographic than those used during its development. This inexpensive and easily administered survey manifests credible validity and reliability. Nevertheless, evidence for its validity and reliability needs to be accrued when it is used in diverse populations.