A dietary behaviors measure for use with low-income, Spanish-speaking Caribbean Latinos with type 2 diabetes: the Latino Dietary Behaviors Questionnaire

Senaida Fernandez, New York University School of Medicine
Barbara C. Olendzki, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Milagros C. Rosal, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

This study examines the validity of a Spanish-language dietary behaviors self-report questionnaire (The Latino Dietary Behaviors Questionnaire [LDBQ]) for Latinos with diabetes. The sample (n=252) was Spanish-speaking, female (77%), middle-aged (mean age 55 years), low education (56% <8th grade>education), and low income (50% <$10,000 annual household income). Baseline and 12-month measures were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial. LDBQ reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change over time were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis; internal consistency analysis; and correlation analysis using baseline and change scores for LDBQ, 3-day 24-hour dietary recall nutrient mean, and clinical measures. Cronbach's alphas were moderate. Four factors were identified at both time points. Significant baseline correlations (r) were found for LDBQ total scores; factor scores; and energy intake (r=-0.29 to -0.34), total dietary fiber (r=0.19), sodium (r=-0.24 to -0.30), percent energy from total fat (r=-0.16), fat subtypes (r=-0.16 to 0.15), and percent energy from protein (r=0.17). Twelve-month data produced a similar pattern. T tests of LDBQ change scores showed significantly greater change in dietary behaviors for the intervention group than for the control group, t(135)=-4.17, P<0.01. LDBQ change scores correlated significantly with mean 24-hour nutrient intake and a subset of clinical measures, but were not associated with clinical change scores (except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The LDBQ is a useful tool to assess and target behaviors for change and assess intervention effects. Inc. All rights reserved.