Face validity and internal consistency of the modified general nutrition knowledge questionnaire: a study among Malaysian medical and nutrition undergraduates

Ab Manan, Norhafizah and Nedunselian, Thiruvarasan and Siva Kumar, Vithiaahsri and Johari, Ellesya Qistina and Shesederhan Pillai, Yashini Letchmi Nair and Shaji, Aksa and Mahat, Nur Ain and Ahmad Fuzi, Salma Faeza (2025) Face validity and internal consistency of the modified general nutrition knowledge questionnaire: a study among Malaysian medical and nutrition undergraduates. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21 (SUPP 6). pp. 175-178. ISSN 1675-8544 E-ISSN 2636-9346

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (98kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Introduction: Limited nutritional knowledge is associated with nutrient-related diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, iron deficiency and cardiovascular diseases. This study assessed the clarity and internal consistency of a modified General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ) tailored to Malaysian dietary guidelines. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students from a private university and undergraduate nutrition students from a public university in Malaysia. The questionnaire included domains of dietary recommendations, nutrient sources, food choices, and diet-disease relationships. Thirteen students participated in face-to-face interviews to evaluate the clarity of each item, and subsequent amendments were made in accordance with the feedback. The revised questionnaire was then administrated online by 300 students to assess internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Most of the items were clear and understandable. The majority of participants were females (68%), aged 18 to 22 (66%) and single (96%). Cronbach’s alpha indicated acceptable internal consistency following the removal of one item (α = 0.713 for dietary recommendations, α = 0.889 for nutrient sources, α = 0.763 for food choices, α = 0.805 for diet-disease relationships, and α = 0.937 overall). Conclusion: The questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory face validity and acceptable internal consistency, indicating its reliability as a tool for assessing general nutrition knowledge among undergraduate students in health-related fields. However, the findings may have limited generalisability due to the homogeneous student sample. Further validation in a larger population is recommended to enhance its applicability.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire, Malaysia, Internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha, Face validity
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RT Nursing
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Professional Nursing Studies Kulliyyah of Nursing
Depositing User:	Nur Ain Mahat
Date Deposited:	11 Aug 2025 14:00
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2025 14:00
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122541

Actions (login required)

View Item