Abstract

VILLAGOMEZ-ORNELAS, Paloma et al. Statistical validity of the Mexican Food Security Scale and the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2014, vol.56, suppl.1, pp.s5-s11. ISSN 0036-3634.

Objective. This article validates the statistical consistency of two food security scales: the Mexican Food Security Scale (EMSA) and the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). Materials and methods. Validity tests were conducted in order to verify that both scales were consistent instruments, conformed by independent, properly calibrated and adequately sorted items, arranged in a continuum of severity. The following tests were developed: sorting of items; Cronbach's alpha analysis; parallelism of prevalence curves; Rasch models; sensitivity analysis through mean differences' hypothesis test. Results. The tests showed that both scales meet the required attributes and are robust statistical instruments for food security measurement. Conclusion. This is relevant given that the lack of access to food indicator, included in multidimensional poverty measurement in Mexico, is calculated with EMSA.

Keywords : validity; food security; scales; Mexico.