Reliability and Validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) In Malay Language

Introduction Physical activity assessment in children is first step in assessing the relationship between activity and health, as well as the determinants of childhood physical activity and changes in activity level. Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) is self- administered questionnaires to assess physical activity among older children.  The objective of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children in Malay language PAQ-C(M). Methodology The validation study was done among 73 students aged 10 to 17 years old. The PAQ-C was translated into Malay language using forward and backward translation. The evaluation of the psychometric properties included internal consistency, test-retest reliability and criterion validity. Reliability of PAQ-C(M) was determine using Cronbach alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). The PAQ-C(M) was administered twice in one week interval to assess test-retest reliability. Criterion validity was assess between PAQ-C(M) and 3 Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR). Results The internal consistency of PAQ-C(M) assessment calculated in this study was α = 0.75 and α = 0.77 for assessments one and two, respectively. The ICC between individual items of PAQ-C(M) was 0.59 to 0.91 indicate that moderate to good correlation. The Spearmen correlation coefficients between PAQ-C(M) and 3DPAR was acceptable ( r s =0.60, p<0.01). Conclusion In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the PAQ-C(M) has moderate to good reliability and validity in assessing physical activity among older children and adolescent. Future validation of PAQ-C(M) against different measures such as accelerometer is recommended.  Keywords Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), reliability, validity  (242 words)