Comparing Physical Activity Questionnaires in African Populations
Author Information
Author(s): Davies Jessica C., Choo-Kang Candice, Soepnel Larske, Geffen Hayli, Mtintsilana Asanda, Africa Chad, Bovet Pascal, Viswanathan Bharathi, Bedu-Addo Kweku, Boateng Prince Oti, Apusiga Kingsley, Dei Oscar Akunor, Forrester Terrence E., Lambert Estelle V., Sinyanya Nandipha, Layden Brian T., Gilbert Jack A., Ecklu-Mensah Gertrude, Joyce Cara, Luke Amy, Dugas Lara R.
Hypothesis
How accurately do self-reported physical activity questionnaires reflect actual physical activity levels in African-origin populations?
Conclusion
Self-reported physical activity may not accurately reflect actual activity levels, with significant discrepancies observed across different populations.
Supporting Evidence
- 23.5% of participants were classified as sufficiently active by both self-report and accelerometry.
- 38.2% of those classified as sufficiently active based on self-reported PA did not meet the criteria using objective monitoring.
- Men were more likely to be classified as sufficiently active than women.
- Obese participants had lower odds of being classified as sufficiently active based on objective measures.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well people’s reports of their exercise matched what was measured with devices. It found that many people thought they were active when they really weren't.
Methodology
The study compared self-reported physical activity using the GPAQ with objective measurements from accelerometers in a cohort of approximately 2,000 African-origin adults.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data may affect the accuracy of the findings.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to all African-origin populations due to the specific countries included.
Participant Demographics
Participants were African-origin men and women aged 35-55 from Ghana, South Africa, Jamaica, Seychelles, and the United States.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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