Development and validation of diet quality index for Indian elderly

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Monika Jain, Payal Jain, Anjali Kumari

Abstract

Background: There is no food-based index to examine the diet quality of Indian elderly. Aim: This study aimed to develop a food-based diet quality index for Indian elderly based on Indian dietary guidelines, evaluate the reliability and validity and examine this index in relation to dietary intake. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 elderly participants of Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan for preliminary testing. Diet quality assessment was done by EDI and Indian EDI. For the development of Indian diet quality index, relevant literature was surveyed; the elderly were interviewed, opinions of experts were sought and 30 statements were framed which were then scrutinized critically to choose 15 and was finally tested on 60 elderly for the standardization of this index. Reliability was analyzed by Cronbach’s alpha method, split half method, and test-retest method. Validity was also analyzed by face and content validity and floor and ceiling effect. Results: Reliability of Indian EDI was 0.75, 0.40 and 0.99 by Cronbach’s alpha methods, split-half coefficient and test- retest method respectively. This index conformed to face validity as well as content validity which were judged by 30 subject matter experts. This index did not exhibit floor and ceiling effects, reflecting good content validity. All the participants were classified into the category of unhealthy diet by EDI. As per Indian EDI assessment lesser participants were falling in the unhealthy diet category and more in moderate healthy diet category. Conclusion: Indian EDI is an appropriate tool to evaluate the diet quality of Indian elderly subjects.

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