219144 Generation With Promise: Validity and reliability of the school physical activity environment questionnaire

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Jeffrey Martin, PhD , Department of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Nate McCaughtry, PhD , Department of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Annie Murphy, PhD, RD , Healthy Kids Evaluation Services, Suttons Bay, MI
Katie Richards-Schuster, PhD , School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Barry Checkoway, PhD , School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Sara Flory, MS , Department of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Kimberlydawn Wisdom, MD, MS , Office of the Surgeon General, Michigan Department of Community Health, Lansing, MI
Background This study is the fourth paper submitted for the symposium “Generation With Promise (GWP)” and examines the School Physical Activity Environment Questionnaire (Q-SPACE) with under-served youth.

Purpose To examine the construct validity, test-retest and internal reliability of the Q-SPACE.

Significance GWP aims to create physical activity (PA) friendly built and social environments. An appropriate measure of students' perceptions of the school PA environment was essential in determining the effectiveness of GWP.

Methodology We used Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) to determine construct validity. Test-retest reliability from Time 1 (T1) to Time 2 (T2; 7 month period) and internal consistency were also examined.

Results The initial CFA did not support the original two factor 20 item Q-SPACE. Using empirical and substantive considerations we supported a re-specified two factor 16 item model. The Bentler comparative fit index was .90 and the Steiger-Lind root mean square error of approximation was .059 and 90% confidence interval (.051 - .067). Test-retest reliability for both subscales (r = .34-.35, p <.001) and internal consistency (á > .70) were acceptable.

Conclusions/Recommendations We recommend using a revised Q-SPACE scale with two eight-item subscales. This study shows the importance of establishing validity and reliability of surveys with under-served youth.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice

Learning Objectives:
Explain the validity and reliability properties of the Q-SPACE and the revised Q-SPACE.

Keywords: Evaluation, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a member of the evaluation team for the Generation With Promise grant project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3152.0: A generation with promise: School and student health transformation