Self-reported physical activity showed poor criterion validity against accelerometer data in lower educated adults (Spearman rho -0.07 to 0.05) compared to low-to-moderate validity in the overall sample (rho 0.16 to 0.27).
Cross-Sectional (n=196)
Does the validity of self-reported physical activity differ by educational level in healthy adults?
Self-reported physical activity questionnaires have poor validity in lower educated populations, suggesting objective measurement may be necessary for accurate assessment in this group.
BACKGROUND: The assessment of physical activity for surveillance or population based studies is usually done with self-report questionnaires. However, bias in self-reported physical activity may be greater in lower educated than in higher educated populations. The aim of the present study is to describe educational differences in the validity of self-reported physical activity. METHODS: We included 196 healthy adults (age 57 ± 15.4, of whom 17% low, 24% medium and 59% high educated). Criterion validity of an adapted International Physical Activity Questionnaire was assessed against the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer. RESULTS: While criterion validity of self-reported physical activity was low to moderate in the total sample (Spearman rho ranged from 0.16 to 0.27, depending on the variables used), the validity in lower educated respondents was poor (-0.07 to 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the hypothesis that self-report physical activity questionnaires are less valid in lower educated populations.
Winckers et al. (2015) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy adults (n=196). Low education level vs. Medium and high education level was evaluated on Criterion validity of self-reported physical activity (IPAQ) against accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+). Self-reported physical activity showed poor criterion validity against accelerometer data in lower educated adults (Spearman rho -0.07 to 0.05) compared to low-to-moderate validity in the overall sample (rho 0.16 to 0.27).