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

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) correlates have not been extensively studied in Hong Kong children. OBJECTIVE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: The results provide psychometric support for using the scales to measure PA correlates among Hong Kong Chinese children.