Using the Food Skills Questionnaire (FSQ) to Evaluate a Cooking Intervention for University Students: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: To pilot test the Food Skills Questionnaire (FSQ) to evaluate a cooking intervention. Methods: Students attending Western University were invited to participate in 3 cooking classes over a 3-month period. All participants were asked to complete the FSQ pre- and post-intervention. The FSQ evaluated food skills in 3 domains—Food Selection and Planning, Food Preparation, and Food Safety and Storage—with a maximum score of 100 per domain. Domain scores were then computed as a weighted average for the Total Food Skills Score out of 100. Open-ended questions assessed participants’ perceptions of the classes. Results: Forty-four students participated. There was a significant increase in food planning (70.6 ± 13.5–77.6 ± 14.3, P < 0.01), food preparation (67.5 ± 14.0–74.9 ± 12.9, P < 0.01), food safety (78.0 ± 9.9–80.8 ± 13.0, P = 0.04), and total food skills (71.9 ± 8.9–77.8 ± 10.6, P < 0.01) post-intervention. Content analysis of open-ended questions indicated that participants enjoyed healthy recipes, supportive Peer Educators, discussions, the cooking experience, socializing, and the safe environment. Conclusions: The FSQ shows strong potential for evaluating basic (e.g., peeling, chopping, slicing) to intermediate (e.g., meal planning) food skills in an effective and feasible manner. It can also capture changes in specific domains, allowing the development of more focused nutrition education and skills-based interventions.