When Eating “Correctly” is not so Healthy: Factor Analysis of the ORTO-15 in University Students from Mexico City

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the ORTO-15 questionnaire, in Mexican university students. This questionnaire was designed to assess the presence of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON). Method: The sample consisted of 911 Mexican university students (65.4% women) aged between 18 and 28 years (M=21±1.9) who answered the Spanish version of the ORTO-15. Results: The results of the factor analysis with a varimax rotation yielded a structure of 14 test items made up of four factors, which explained 52.4% of the variance. Likewise, an adequate internal consistency was obtained (Cronbach’s alpha=0.78). Conclusion: The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the ORTO-15 are supported as a reliable tool for the evaluation of orthorexia nervosa in the Mexican population; however, it is important to consider the influence of the Mexican culture. Its use is expected to contribute significantly to a better understanding of the impact these behaviors have on Mexican population.