CONTENT VALIDATION AND PILOT TESTING OF THE PROMOTING ACTIVE LIFESTYLE AMONG CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY (PALS) QUESTIONNAIRE

Abstract

Introduction: Primary carers and school teachers and administrators are key influencers in promoting active lifestyle among children with disabilities. The Promoting Active Lifestyle among Children with Disability (PALS) Questionnaire aims to determine these influencers' perceptions, capabilities, opportunities, and motivations in active healthy lifestyle promotion. This study evaluated the content validity and feasibility of the Filipino and English versions of the PALS Questionnaire. Methods: Six (6) experts rated the relevance of the items in the Filipino and English versions of the PALS Questionnaire. Item and scale content validity indices (CVI) and agreement among raters (modified kappa k*) were computed. The questionnaires were revised and pilot tested among eleven participants comprising primary carers, and special education (SpEd) teachers and administrators using three methods of administration: online survey, phone interview, and pen-and-paper survey. Results: Scale-level CVI indicated excellent content validity (0.96 - 0.97). Item-level CVI ranged between 0.67 and 1.00. Interrater agreement on the relevance of all items was excellent (k* = 0.82 - 1.00), except for the item on teaching assistants (k* = 0.56). Most participants found the items easy to understand. The average time needed to complete a questionnaire was 30 minutes. The online version of the questionnaire was identified as the most feasible mode of administration. Discussion: The PALS Questionnaire is a valid and practical instrument for measuring the perceptions of Filipino primary carers and SpEd educators' perceptions on promoting children with disabilities’ active healthy lifestyle. Information from the PALS Questionnaire could inform initiatives toward better health and quality of life for the children with disabilities.