Cultural adaptation, validation and reliability assessment of the Yoruba language version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in Nigeria

Abstract

Assessment of Physical Activity (PA) is important for adequate health planning. However, self-report assessment tools for PA may be influenced by differences in language and cultural norms. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt, validate and test the reliability of the Yoruba language version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short-Form (IPAQ-SF). The English version of IPAQ-SF was translated to Nigerian Yoruba language following a sequence of forward translation, reconciliation and harmonization, as well as quality rating, backward translation, reconciliation of problematic items, and pilot study. The final Yoruba version of the IPAQ-SF was tested in a cross-sectional study for concurrent and construct validity as well as test-retest reliability in a sample of 351 students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Nigeria. The Yoruba IPAQ-SF showed good concurrent validity with correlation coefficients (r), ranging from 0.577 to 0.841 for moderate and vigorous PA (MET*min/week), respectively. There was good convergent and discriminant validity with total PA significantly correlating with its constructs and not substantially associated with sitting. Reliability was fair for vigorous (ICC=0.433, 95% CI=0.325-0.531), moderate (ICC=0.326, 95% CI=0.208-0.434), walking (ICC=0.311, 95% CI=0.192-0.421) and total PA (ICC=0.374, 95% CI=0.260-0.478), but poor for sitting (ICC=0.155, 95% CI=0.029-0.276). Results also yielded meaningful differences in gender-specific analyses. The Yoruba IPAQ-SF produced acceptable evidence of concurrent and convergent validity, but modest evidence of test-retest reliability in a sample of Nigerian young adults. The Yoruba IPAQ-SF could be a useful PA assessment tool among adult Yoruba speaking Nigerians.

Keywords: Cultural adaptation, IPAQ, validation, reliability, Yoruba language, Nigeria