Development of a scale for assessing meal satisfaction in older adults: Meal satisfaction assessment questionnaire (MSAQ)

Abstract

This meal satisfaction assessment questionnaire for older adults (MSAQ) focuses on assessing meal satisfaction rather than only measuring physical functioning or the risk of malnutrition in older people. By looking at the factors that influence meal satisfaction in older adults through a comprehensive literature review, this study develops a scale for measuring meal satisfaction in older people. For content and face validation, a 61-item questionnaire was administered to 290 people using a five-point scale. Through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), a 16-Item six-factor questionnaire for the assessment of meal satisfaction was developed, and its validity and reliability were tested. The development of this scale not only helps to measure meal satisfaction and dissatisfaction but also contributes to improving life satisfaction in older adults. Assessing meal satisfaction could contribute to developing care plans and treatment directions and help care professionals understand the values, identities, wellbeing, and general health issues of older adults.

Keywords: Aged; Assessment; EFA; Meal; Satisfaction; Validity.