Analysis of the psychometric properties of the Mexican version of the Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale (DIET-SE)

Introduction: recent research shows that people with high levels of self-efficacy for a healthy diet can control their weight. The Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale (DIET-SE) scale is a complete instrument that measures self-efficacy for a healthy diet, however, there are no Spanish versions for the Mexican population. Objective: the purpose of this study is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Mexican version of DIET-SE. Method: the sample consisted of 807 Mexican university students, of both sexes and aged between 17 and 48 years (M = 20.65, SD = 3.16). The parallel back-translation methodology was used to translate the DIET-SE scale into Spanish. In addition to the descriptive analysis and the Pearson correlation, the Cronbach alpha coefficient was used to measure the internal consistency and other indices were used for the factorial model. Results: the results of the CFA using the maximum likelihood estimation found good evidence for the construct validity (chi(2) = 175.68; gl = 35 [77-42]; chi(2)/gl = 5.02, p < 0.01; TLI = 0.92, IFI = 0.96, CFI = 0.95 y RMSEA = 0.07). The factorial loads of the eleven items showed acceptable values. The results in the correlation analysis between the DIET-SE and psychological well-being indicators can be considered as a favorable proof of the discriminant validity. In terms of reliability, acceptable results were found in internal consistency. Conclusion: the DIET-SE is a valid and reliable scale to evaluate the self-efficacy to maintain a diet in Mexican university students.