Developing and testing a measurement tool for assessing predictors of breakfast consumption based on a health promotion model

Abstract

Objective: To develop an instrument for measuring Health Promotion Model constructs in terms of breakfast consumption, and to identify the constructs that were predictors of breakfast consumption among Iranian female students.

Design: A questionnaire on Health Promotion Model variables was developed and potential predictors of breakfast consumption were assessed using this tool.

Participants: One hundred female students, mean age 13 years (SD ± 1.2 years).

Settings: Two middle schools from moderate-income areas in Qom, Iran.

Variables measured: Health Promotion Model variables were assessed using a 58-item questionnaire. Breakfast consumption was also measured.

Analysis: Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), content validity index, content validity ratio, multiple linear regression using stepwise method, and Pearson correlation.

Results: Content validity index and content validity ratio scores of the developed scale items were 0.89 and 0.93, respectively. Internal consistencies (range, .74-.91) of subscales were acceptable. Prior related behaviors, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and competing demand and preferences were 4 constructs that could predict 63% variance of breakfast frequency per week among subjects.

Conclusions and implications: The instrument developed in this study may be a useful tool for researchers to explore factors affecting breakfast consumption among students. Students with a high level of self-efficacy, more prior related behavior, fewer perceived barriers, and fewer competing demands were most likely to regularly consume breakfast.

Keywords: Pender's Health Promotion Model; breakfast; measurement; students; validity.