Development and Validation of the Motivation for Healthy Eating Behavior Scale (MHEBS) in the Bengali-Speaking Adults

Abira  Nowar; Rivu  Basu; Shahadat  Hossain; Antora  Jabbar; Sharmin Rumi  Alim

doi:10.3329/brc.v10i2.74581

Authors

Abira Nowar Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Rivu Basu All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata, India
Shahadat Hossain Department of Psychology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Antora Jabbar Department of Psychology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Sharmin Rumi Alim Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/brc.v10i2.74581

Keywords:

Motivation, Healthy Eating Behavior, Development, Validation, Bengali-speaking adult

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and validate a scale to assess the motivation for healthy eating behavior in Bengali-speaking adults.

Methodology: The study was cross-sectional in nature and was conducted online via Google Forms. A total of 220 Bengali-speaking adults participated in the study. A literature review was conducted to generate an item pool regarding motivation for healthy eating. The content validity of the items was evaluated by an expert panel from related fields. Based on their responses, the items were modified, and 15 items were assessed for face validity. The scale’s construct validity was assessed by performing an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The reliability of the scale was examined using the internal consistency reliability coefficient or Cronbach’s alpha. To establish the convergent and divergent validity of the scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) scale were used.

Major Findings: The MHEBS showed good content and face validity. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was in the acceptable range with Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.820. The EFA suggested a three-factor scale structure, and the factors were “benefits of healthy eating”, “external regulation”, and “affordability”. The scale also showed acceptable convergent and divergent validity with SWLS and FCV-19S respectively.

Implications: MHEBS — a 15-item 5-point Likert scale — is the first developed scale to measure the motivation for healthy eating behavior in the Bengali-speaking adult population. The scale would help identify what motivates Bengali adults to for maintaining healthy eating behavior. In addition, it would aid program planners to effectively design health promotion strategies as well as health practitioners and dietitians to counsel patients before applying dietary behavior change interventions.

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