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Reproducibility and validity of a self-administered physical activity questionnaire
A M Wolf1, D J Hunter, G A Colditz
1Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Self-administered questionnaires for physical activity and inactivity are valid for epidemiological research. The Nurses' Health Study II found these tools reliable for assessing activity levels in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Assessing physical activity and inactivity is crucial for public health research.
- The validity and reproducibility of self-administered questionnaires require rigorous examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reproducibility and validity of physical activity and inactivity questionnaires.
- To assess these measures within the Nurses' Health Study II cohort, including African-American women.
Main Methods:
- Administered repeat questionnaires two years apart.
- Utilized past-week activity recalls and 7-day activity diaries as referent methods.
- Sent instruments to participants four times over a one-year period.
Main Results:
- Test-retest correlations for activity ranged from 0.39 to 0.59.
- Correlations between questionnaire and recall/diary data for activity were substantial (0.62-0.83).
- Test-retest coefficients for inactivity ranged from 0.52 to 0.55.
Conclusions:
- The questionnaires used in the Nurses' Health Study II demonstrate reasonable validity.
- These simple, short questionnaires are suitable for epidemiological research on physical activity and inactivity.