3019.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - Board 9

Abstract #15333

Validation of a questionnaire to assess physical activity in low-income children aged 2-5 years

Patty S. Freedson, PhD1, Abi Watras, BA1, Judy Salkeld, MS2, Bettylou Sherry, PhD, RD3, Jan Kallio, MS, RD4, and Elizabeth Metallinos-Katsaras, PhD, RD2. (1) Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, 30 Eastman Lane, Amherst, MA 01003, 413-545-2620, psf@excsci.umass.edu, (2) Office of Statistics and Evaluation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, (3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (4) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Office

There is concern about the levels of activity/inactivity of young children due to the increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity. We developed a five-question instrument, designed for administration to caregivers, which requires evaluation for its reliability and validity. Study goals are to: (1) assess the feasibility of accelerometer use; (2) compare questionnaire reports by caregivers about physical activity/inactivity levels with physical activity level measured by an accelerometer (Computer Science and Applications Inc., Model 7164);and (3) assess reliability of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered at the beginning and end of a 7-day consecutive monitoring period. Accelerometers were worn (except for sleeping and bathing) for 7 days. In addition, a 24-hour physical activity recall was completed for Day 7. Participants were recruited at Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children sites. The sample includes approximately 60 children (20 Caucasian, 20 African-American, and 20 Hispanic, approximately equal age distribution). To date, at least 5.5 days of activity monitor data on 30 children have been obtained (21 children have 7 days of data). Results of this validation study will be presented.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:

Keywords: Physical Activity, Low-Income

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA