Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Perceived Diet Quality Questionnaire
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Perceived diet quality (PDQ), measured with a single question, has been linked to better cardiometabolic health indicators. However, no published comprehensive tool to measure PDQ exists. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the development and initial psychometric evaluation of a novel tool to measure perceived diet quality (PDQ). METHODS: = 605). Eleven items-with 3 addressing perceived diet quality based on qualitative, graded, and numeric ratings, and satisfaction with diet healthfulness, balanced meals, meal planning/preparation, nutrition knowledge, home cooking vs. eating out/takeout, food label use, difficulty eating healthy, and guilt/regret about food choices comprising the other items. Analysis included exploratory factor analysis, concurrent and convergent validity, and construct reliability. RESULTS: Seven of the 11 variables were retained for final factor solution. Mean (SD) of PDQ Scale, possible score range 6.5-35 points, was 22.6 (5.4). Construct reliability was demonstrated by McDonald's omega of 0.91. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by correlation of 0.74 between single qualitative PDQ item (current assessment method) and PDQ Scale. Weak to moderate convergent validity was demonstrated by correlations of 0.31 and 0.51 between the PDQ Scale and diet quality scores measured using the Healthy Eating Index and Global Dietary Recommendations, respectively. Correlations were generally significantly higher than correlations with single qualitative PDQ item. CONCLUSIONS: The PDQ Scale may be better measure of self-assessed diet quality than the current single qualitative item.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu18203323
Authors: Jessica Thomson, Alicia Landry, Tameka Walls
Language: English
Topic: Nutritional Studies and Diet
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W7221342408