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

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.

Initial development and testing of a questionnaire of parental self-efficacy for enacting healthy lifestyles in their children

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a questionnaire to assess parental self-efficacy for enacting healthy diet and physical activity behaviors in their 6- to 11-year-old children.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A 35-item questionnaire was developed and tested with 146 U.S. parents.

RESULTS

Participant responses resulted in a 34-item questionnaire with two subscales (dietary behaviors and physical activity behaviors), which were valid and reliable in the study sample.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This new measure will serve as a tool for the assessment of parental self-efficacy for enacting healthy lifestyles in their children 6-11 years old.

Targeting obesity to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and other co-morbidities in African American youth: a review of the literature and recommendations for prevention

Over the last decade, the prevalence of obesity has continued to rise within the adolescent population of the US. Data show that African American youth are disproportionately affected by the obesity epidemic due to their higher risk for obesity-related co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes. Interventions that target risk factors for obesity at the individual, family and community levels are needed in order to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and related complications. This article provides an overview of the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in African American youth, the pathophysiology of the disease, and the behavioural risk factors that have contributed to its high prevalence within the African American adolescent population. Successful intervention strategies that target modifiable risk factors, such as diet and physical activity, will be identified. Finally, recommendations for programmes to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes within the African American adolescent population are presented.

Measurement of behavioral objectives for weight management

Measurement of specific behaviors involved in weight management is essential to understanding the behavior change process. This study presents measures of common behavioral objectives for weight management interventions. The relationships between these measures and conventional outcomes of weight management are described. Data are from a survey of 407 adults in the rural Midwest ages 23 to 88. Analyses involved bivariate and multivariate statistical tests. Relationships were stronger when limited to diet or physical activity outcomes as opposed to body mass index or waist circumference. Diet-related strategies were more strongly correlated with diet-related outcomes than physical activity-related outcomes and vice versa. Measures of social interactions and self-monitoring for both diet and physical activity were consistently related to outcomes. The measures show promise as reliable and valid indicators of behavior that could be useful in the evaluation of interventions. Intervention studies are needed to further characterize their value and sensitivity to change over time.

Healthy eating and exercise: strategies for weight management in the rural midwest

Obesity prevalence has increased dramatically in the United States. Rural areas have been especially affected, yet few weight management studies have been conducted in these populations. This study was designed to assess weight management attitudes and strategies used when rural adults in particular attempt to lose weight, employing measures that are more specific than those reported in similar studies. The survey was completed by 123 adults aged 19 to 71, with a 29% response rate. Scales demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Persons currently trying to lose weight were more likely to report self-monitoring behaviors and goal setting but no more likely to report use of specific behavioral strategies compared to persons not trying to lose weight. The results suggest considerable interest in weight management among rural adults and provide a starting point for planning future weight management interventions in this and similar populations.