Reliability and validity issues concerning large-scale surveillance of physical activity

Area of Science:

• Public Health Surveillance
• Physical Activity Epidemiology

Background:

• The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a primary source for U.S. population-based physical activity data.
• Ensuring the reliability and validity of current BRFSS data is a top priority for public health monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and necessity of improving physical activity measurement within the BRFSS.
• To evaluate the development of a new module for assessing light-to-moderate activity and strength.
• To align population-based physical activity tracking with national health objectives.

Main Methods:

• Review of current BRFSS data collection methods for physical activity.
• Consideration of challenges in developing new assessment modules for telephone surveys.
• Proposal for a systematic approach to evaluate progress and utility of new instruments.

Main Results:

• Improving the reliability and validity of existing BRFSS data is achievable within a reasonable timeframe and cost.
• Developing a module for light-to-moderate activity and strength may be challenging due to survey constraints.
• There is a strong rationale for a valid and reliable measure of moderate activity due to its health benefits and national interest.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing the validation of current BRFSS physical activity data is essential.
• The development of new assessment tools requires careful planning, evaluation, and consideration of potential difficulties.
• A phased approach is recommended to mitigate risks associated with significant investment in new survey instruments.