Designing and Validation of an Instrument for the Assessment of Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, Sun Exposure, and Sleeping Patterns Among Saudi Adults

Abstract

Objectives The prevalence of diet-related diseases has risen rapidly. Changes in certain life-style factors (dietary habits, physical activity, sun exposure, and sleeping patterns) are the key to the understanding of these diseases. Most previous research studies investigated these factors separately and hence any interrelationships that may exist between these factors is not much clear due to the lack of a comprehensive Tool that determines these factors at a time in a collective manner. Therefore, this study aimed to design and validate an instrument that assesses these life-style factors in a comprehensive way. Methods The design and validation of the instrument were carried out in four distinct phases: a) literature review and existing instruments; b) design of the Instrument c) sample selection of experts (N = 14); and d) quantitative (Likert-type scale from 1 to 5) and qualitative assessment of degree the relevance of each of the 36 items included in the Tool. The questionnaire had 4 parts to cover data on dietary habits, physical activity, sun exposure, and sleeping patterns. Aiken's V coefficient was used to determine content validity. Likewise, internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's α-coefficient. Results For most of the items, the results showed demanding levels of validity (V ≥ 0.76), internal consistency (α = 0.915), inter-rater, and intra-rater reliability. Conclusions Therefore, it is a valid and reliable instrument that makes possible a complete assessment of dietary intake, physical activity, sun exposure, and sleeping patterns in the adult Saudi population. Funding Sources The National Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (MAARIFAH), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Award Number (2-17-03-001-0060).

An innovative state-of-the-art health storytelling technique for better management of type 2 diabetes

“…The other scale (CRAAP) is a wellvalidated score previously used in research studies (32)(33)(34). We have vast experience in scale development and validation and have developed scales in the past (35)(36)(37).…”