{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Development and validation of the Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ) in 14 countries: study protocol.
{Author}: Larouche R;Rostami Haji Abadi M;Aubert S;Bhawra J;Brazo-Sayavera J;Carson V;Colley RC;Nyström CD;Esliger DW;Harper-Brown R;Gonzalez Cifuentes SA;Jáuregui A;Katewongsa P;Khadilkar A;Kira G;Kuzik N;Liu Y;Lof M;Loney T;Manyanga T;Mwase-Vuma TW;Oyeyemi AL;Reilly JJ;Richards J;Roberts K;Sarmiento OL;Silva DAS;Smith M;Subedi N;Vanderloo LM;Widyastari DA;Wilson OWA;Wong SH;Tremblay MS;
{Journal}: BMJ Open
{Volume}: 14
{Issue}: 7
{Year}: 2024 Jul 24
{Factor}: 3.006
{DOI}: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082275
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Global surveillance of physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents with questionnaires is limited by the use of instruments developed in high-income countries (HICs) lacking sociocultural adaptation, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); under-representation of some PA domains; and omission of active play, an important source of PA. Addressing these limitations would help improve international comparisons, and facilitate the cross-fertilisation of ideas to promote PA. We aim to develop and assess the reliability and validity of the app-based Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ) among 8-17 years old in 14 LMICs and HICs representing all continents; and generate the 'first available data' on active play in most participating countries.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Our study involves eight stages: (1) systematic review of psychometric properties of existing PA questionnaires for children and adolescents; (2) development of the GAC-PAQ (first version); (3) content validity assessment with global experts; (4) cognitive interviews with children/adolescents and parents in all 14 countries; (5) development of a revised GAC-PAQ; (6) development and adaptation of the questionnaire app (application); (7) pilot-test of the app-based GAC-PAQ; and, (8) main study with a stratified, sex-balanced and urban/rural-balanced sample of 500 children/adolescents and one of their parents/guardians per country. Participants will complete the GAC-PAQ twice to assess 1-week test-retest reliability and wear an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer for 9 days to test concurrent validity. To assess convergent validity, subsamples (50 adolescents/country) will simultaneously complete the PA module from existing international surveys.<BR><B>BACKGROUND: </B>Approvals from research ethics boards and relevant organisations will be obtained in all participating countries. We anticipate that the GAC-PAQ will facilitate global surveillance of PA in children/adolescents. Our project includes a robust knowledge translation strategy sensitive to social determinants of health to inform inclusive surveillance and PA interventions globally.