Psychometric Characteristics of the Persian Version of the Self-Efficacy to Regulate Eating Habits Questionnaire among female adolescents

Self-efficacy is an important factor in the acceptance of health behaviors. The positive effects of having healthy eating habits at all ages have been proven. However, poor eating habits are common among adolescents around the world. Understanding self-efficacy can help maintain and improve health-promoting behaviors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the self-efficacy questionnaire to regular eating habits among female students aged 15-18 years in Chenaran.   This cross-sectional research was conducted in the academic year 2016 to 2017. In this study, 439 students in Chenaran were selected using cluster sampling. After translating the questionnaire, using Jones approach, the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, content validity indices, content validity ratio index, and confirmatory factor analysis.   The mean age of students participating in the study was 16.51 ± 1.04 and their mean body mass index was 21.40 ± 3.64. Content Validity Ratio (0.80 )  and Content Validity Index (0.97 ) were at an acceptable level for all the questionnaire's items. The level of Cronbach's alpha in the self-Efficacy questionnaire to regulate eating habits questions was 0.924. Confirmatory factor analysis findings showed acceptable fit indices (CFI = 0.892, TLI = 0.879, RMSEA = 0.062, d¦/c2 =656/978/247=2/660).   The Persian version of the Self-Efficacy to Regulate Eating Habits is a useful and valuable tool for assessing levels of eating habits. This questionnaire can be used in future research because it shows good factorial validity and adequate reliability.