The adaptation of a sedentary behaviour questionnaire for Canadian adolescents

Short Oral

Abstract Overview

Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) is an umbrella term for activities that collectively represent an energy expenditure approximating resting levels when in a sitting, reclining, or lying posture. Excessive time spent in SB is linked to deleterious health outcomes; however, recent evidence shows this relationship may differ according to the type of SB. The Questionnaire for Screen Time of Adolescents (QueST), which measures different types of activities, is useful for SB research but has received limited attention in Canada.
Purpose: To evaluate a modified QueST (m-QueST) assessing SB activities for Canadian adolescents.
Methods: Participants between the ages of 14 and 21 completed an online questionnaire including sociodemographic information, the m-QueST items, and questions probing clarity and comprehension. The m-QueST items were reworded to include a postural component. The original QueST items are study time, working, watching videos, playing games, using social media and chat applications. Two new behaviours, passive transportation and doing crafts, were included in the m-QueST. Clarity for each m-QueST item was assessed with a Likert response scale, participants reported if they understood how to answer the questions (yes/no) and if they had any suggestions (open-ended).
Results: 25 individuals participated (64% females, mean age 18.4 years, 88% white, 64% college/university student). The SB definition was rated as highly/quite clear by 92% of participants. Clarity for m-QueST items varied between 84% (work) and 92% (video games, social media, passive transportation, crafts) being highly/quite clear. No comprehension issues of m-QueST items were reported, and no additional SB activities were suggested by participants.
Conclusions: This version of the QueST for SB appears clear and comprehensible, and research is warranted to evaluate its reliability.
Practical implications: The m-QueST is a new questionnaire that may be used to measure SB in research with Canadian adolescents.
Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
 

Additional Authors

Name: Barbi Law
Affiliation: School of Physical & Health Education, Nipissing University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Brenda Bruner
Affiliation: School of Physical & Health Education, Nipissing University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Philip Wilson
Affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Brock University
Presenting Author: no

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Information

Study Type: Measurement or surveillance
Subtheme: Other (please specify)
Subtheme other Title: Sedentary Behaviour
Population Group: Adolescents
Setting: Not Applicable

Submitting Author

Bruno da Costa
Assistant Professor
McGill University
Canada

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