Validation of the Household Food Waste Questionnaire (HFWQ) in an Iranian Urban Setting (Tehran)

Abstract Household food waste poses a significant global challenge with considerable economic, environmental, and social consequences. Accurate measurement is essential for developing effective policies to reduce food waste. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate REFRESH household food waste questionnaire for use in the Iranian context (Tehran city). The original instrument was translated into Farsi, back-translated, and adapted to reflect local dietary habits. Face and content validity were confirmed by a panel of 17 experts in nutrition and related fields. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing questionnaire estimates with weekly weighed food waste data from 50 households, as the gold standard. The results showed a significant correlation between the questionnaire and the weighed method (r = 0.431, p = 0.002), indicating acceptable accuracy across major food groups. The Farsi food waste questionnaire can be considered a valid tool for assessing household food waste in urban settings in Iran.