Psychometric validation of the food and nutrition literacy scale (Escala de Literacia da Alimentação e Nutrição – E-LAN) among Portuguese youth

Psychometric Validation of the Escala de Literacia da Alimentação e Nutrição ( E -LAN), addressing the current lack of validated instruments for assessing food and nutrition literacy among portuguese youth. Cross-sectional. The study was conducted in a school setting in the western region of central Portugal between April 10 and 12, 2024, using a convenience sample of children aged 10–12 years. The E -LAN comprises 49 items (42 Likert-scale and 7 multiple-choice) across seven subscales assessing cognitive and skills domains. Reliability was examined using Cronbach's α, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to evaluate the internal structure, using χ 2 /df, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA as fit indices. The initial scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.875). Four items were removed due to low item-total correlations and factor loadings. The revised 38-item version demonstrated improved reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.889), acceptable inter-item correlations, and good model fit (χ 2 /df = 1.45; AGFI = 0.91; CFI = 0.93; TLI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.06). The E -LAN is a concise, reliable, and valid tool for assessing food and nutrition literacy among portuguese youth, supporting its use in public health research and interventions. • The scale assesses youth food and nutrition literacy. • The Portuguese version includes 38 Likert items and 7 multiple choice items. • The scale showed good internal consistency and acceptable six-factor fit. • Its application provides data to guide public health programs.