Construction and validation of the CAPA questionnaire of Nutritional Knowledge among Adolescents diagnosed with Feeading and Eting disorders

Abstract

Introduction. Feeding and eating disorders represent a serious problem especially in young population. Nutritional education is essential in its treatment and prevention. Among the actions developed in Spain the NAOS strategy highlights, which frames the Perseo educational program for schoolchildren. However, there are few tools to evaluate the knowledge after these programs are implemented. The aim of the study was to create and to validate a questionnaire that allows the evaluation of the acquired knowledge on young population diagnosed of eating disorders after participating on Perseo program.

Methodology. The on-line modified e-Delphi technique was applied, 26 mental health and nutrition experts took part, evaluating the consensus level on adequacy and relevance through a 4-points Likert scale and a field for comments. Basic and supplementary criteria for the development of the technique were previously established.

Results. On the basis of the Perseo program and the adapted version of GNKQ for Portuguese teenagers, an initial version of the questionnaire was developed with 30 items and 4 possible answers. After three rounds 26 of the items reached the required consensus both in adequacy and relevance. Eventually a new questionnaire of 26 items was obtained with a high degree of general agreement according to the experts.

Conclusions. The questionnaire has demonstrated a strong validity of content that allows to evaluate an educational intervention on nutrition based on the Perseo program, among young population with eating disorders.