Psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the scale for acceptance of ultra-processed food products

Purpose This study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the Scale of the Acceptance of Ultra-Processed Food Products among Turkish adults. Design/methodology/approach A total of 401 individuals aged 18–65 years (49.9% female, mean age: 30.8 ± 13.5 years) were included. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, the Scale of the Acceptance of Ultra-Processed Food Products and the Screening Questionnaire of Highly Processed Food Consumption were collected via a Web-based survey. Construct validity was tested using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha, Composite Reliability and McDonald’s Omega. Average variance extracted and heterotrait–monotrait ratio of correlations assessed convergent and discriminant validity. Findings The scale showed high internal consistency (α = 0.766–0.952). Data suitability was confirmed (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin [KMO] = 0.94, Bartlett’s test p < 0.001). EFA revealed nine factors explaining 73.4% of variance. CFA indicated acceptable fit indices (Comparative Fit Index = 0.900, Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.888, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.076, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.056), with factor loadings ranging from 0.48 to 0.97 (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed higher scores in males (β = 17.1, p = 0.006) and lower scores in unemployed individuals (β = −13.1, p = 0.009). A moderate positive correlation was found between the two scales (ρ = 0.39, p < 0.001). Originality/value The Turkish version of the scale, with 9 subdimensions and 37 items, is a valid, reliable tool to assess acceptance and reasons for consumption of ultra-processed foods.