Validity and reliability of the Arabic orthorexia nervosa inventory scale in young adults: a validation study

Journal article

Purpose: This study aimed to translate and validate the Arabic version of the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) scale to assess orthorexia nervosa (OrNe) among young Arabic-speaking adults in the UAE and explore the relationship between OrNe and various sociodemographic factors. Methods: A total of 625 young adult participants (88.2% female) completed a questionnaire comprising the ONI scale and sociodemographic questions. The study assessed internal reliability using Cronbach’s α, external reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), content validity using a panel of 12 experts, Known-Group validity using associations between OrNe classification and demographics, and structural validity using confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The Arabic ONI scale showed high internal (Cronbach’s α = 0.934) and external (ICC = 0.849) reliability. Content validity was excellent (scale-level content validity index = 0.96). Vegetarians had significantly higher ONI scores, indicating good Known-Group validity. The model fit indices (χ2/df = 1.663, comparative fit index = 0.993, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.992, goodness-of-fit index = 0.989, root mean square error of approximation = 0.033, standardized root mean square residual = 0.049) reflected excellent structural validity. Conclusions: The Arabic ONI scale is a reliable and valid tool for assessing OrNe tendencies in young Arabic-speaking adults. Future studies should explore its applicability to broader populations and investigate predictors of OrNe tendencies. Level of evidence: Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.

Authors: Bataineh, MF; Alhebshi, SH; Al-Nawaiseh, AM; Jarrar, AH; Hamad, MI

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer
• Journal: Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity
• Volume: 31
• Issue: 1
• Article number: 18
• Publication date: 2026-03-06
• Acceptance date: 2026-03-01
• DOI: 10.1007/s40519-026-01838-4
• EISSN: 1590-1262
• ISSN: 1124-4909
• Language: English
• Keywords: Validation; Healthy eating; Psychometric properties; Orthorexia; Eating disorder