Food Choice Questionnaire in an African country – Application and validation in Cape Verde

Abstract

The Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) is a multidimensional measure that simultaneously evaluates the various factors that have an impact on daily food choices. Since its development by Steptoe et al. (1995), this tool has already been used in several countries, but had not yet been applied and validated in an African country. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of FCQ in Cape Verde, as well as to create consumer groups according to food choice motivations. Face to face interviews were conducted with 503 participants and replicated with 119 individuals. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed yielding unsatisfactory fit indexes. Subsequently, an exploratory factor analysis was performed revealing nine factors: ‘nutritional aspect and diet’, ‘sensory appeal’, ‘mood’, ‘wellbeing’, ‘convenience’, ‘price’, ‘familiarity’, ‘ethical concern’ and ‘natural content’. The hierarchical cluster analysis identified groups with similar food choice criteria, which originated three groups: “Healthy”, “Hedonists” and “Engaged”. For the FCQ, the result of the test-retest, in the range of three to four weeks was satisfactory. The results obtained are coherent, reinforcing that the FCQ is a transculturally applicable tool.