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Title: Validity and reliability of questionnaires measuring physical activity self-efficacy, enjoyment, social support among Hong Kong Chinese children

Author
item LIANG, YAN - Hong Kong Baptist University
item LAU, PATRICK - Hong Kong Baptist University
item HUANG, WENDY - Hong Kong Baptist University
item MADDISON, RALPH - University Of Auckland
item BARANOWSKI, TOM - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Preventive Medicine Reports
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2014
Publication Date: 11/1/2014
Citation: Liang, Y., Lau, P.W., Huang, W.Y., Maddison, R., Baranowski, T. 2014. Validity and reliability of questionnaires measuring physical activity self-efficacy, enjoyment, social support among Hong Kong Chinese children. Preventive Medicine Reports. 1:48-52.

Interpretive Summary: Self report scales measuring psychological variables related to health behaviors need to be translated and shown to work as expected and desired in each new country in which they will be used. This manuscript reports a translation, psychometric assessment and validation of scales in regard to physical activity related self efficacy, enjoyment, and social support among 273 8-12 year old children in Hong Kong. The analyses supported each scale having only one dimension, and good reliability for each of the scales. These scales can now be used in interventions or epidemiological research among Hong Kong Chinese children with confidence that the scales measure what we believe they should (validity), and do so consistently (reliability).

Technical Abstract: Physical activity (PA) correlates have not been extensively studied in Hong Kong children. The aim of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of translated scales to measure PA related self-efficacy, enjoyment and social support in Hong Kong Chinese children. Sample 1 (n=273, aged 8–12 years) was recruited (May–June, 2013) from two primary schools. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to assess factorial validity. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating measured constructs with self-reported PA. Cronbach's alpha was computed to assess scale internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was performed to assess scale test–retest reliability. Criterion validity was further examined in Sample 2 (n=84, aged 8–12 years) from a third school by correlating measured constructs with objectively measured PA collected in September 2013 and February 2014. The CFA results supported the one-factor structure of the scales. All PA correlates were significantly (p<0.01) associated with self-reported PA in Sample 1. Self-efficacy and enjoyment were significantly (p<0.05) correlated with objectively measured PA in Sample 2. All the scales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. All ICC values of the scales suggested acceptable test–retest reliability. The results provide psychometric support for using the scales to measure PA correlates among Hong Kong Chinese children.