Validation evidence for the Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) in Brazil : a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Eating behavior is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors from early infancy, shaping an individual’s relationship with food. Tools such as the Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) were designed to evaluate these patterns in children and facilitate the early identification of potential issues. Objective: The objective of this study is to validate the CEBQ for use in Brazilian children and adolescents. Methods: Parents/caregivers of students from public and private schools in southern Brazil completed the CEBQ. Anthropometric measurements of students’ weight and height were also taken. Psychometric properties were assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), and criterion validity (correlation between CEBQ scores and participants’ body mass index-for-age categories). Results: A total of 205 participants aged 3 to 13 and their caregivers participated in this study. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a five-factor questionnaire and a reduction of four items. All remaining items had a factor loading > 0.3. Cronbach’s alpha values were satisfactory, with values ≥ 0.7 in all factors, supporting the instrument’s internal consistency. The findings also showed significant associations between CEBQ scales and participants’ BMI for age. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide evidence that the CEBQ is a valid tool for assessing eating behavior in Brazilian children and adolescents.