Validity and reliability of questionnaires measuring physical activity self-efficacy, enjoyment, social support among Hong Kong Chinese children

• Validity and reliability of translated scales measuring PA correlates were assessed among Hong Kong children.
• Confirmatory factory analyses supported the scale factorial validity.
• Scale criterion validity was supported by significant correlation between each construct with self-reported PA.
• Scale internal consistency and test-rest reliability were all acceptable.
• Scale criterion validity (self-efficacy and enjoyment) was further demonstrated with objectively measured physical activity in a smaller sample.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) correlates have not been extensively studied in Hong Kong children.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of translated scales to measure PA related self-efficacy, enjoyment and social support in Hong Kong Chinese children.MethodsSample 1 (n = 273, aged 8–12 years) was recruited (May–June, 2013) from two primary schools. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to assess factorial validity. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating measured constructs with self-reported PA. Cronbach's alpha was computed to assess scale internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was performed to assess scale test–retest reliability. Criterion validity was further examined in Sample 2 (n = 84, aged 8–12 years) from a third school by correlating measured constructs with objectively measured PA collected in September 2013 and February 2014.ResultsThe CFA results supported the one-factor structure of the scales. All PA correlates were significantly (p < 0.01) associated with self-reported PA in Sample 1. Self-efficacy and enjoyment were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with objectively measured PA in Sample 2. All the scales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. All ICC values of the scales suggested acceptable test–retest reliability.ConclusionThe results provide psychometric support for using the scales to measure PA correlates among Hong Kong Chinese children.