Convergent validation of a questionnaire to assess the mode and frequency of commuting to and from school

Abstract

Aims: The purposes of this research were to study the convergent validity of the Mode and Frequency of Commuting To and From School Questionnaire using objectively assessed steps and time spent in different physical activity intensities and to compare the self-reported versus objective journey time in Spanish youths.

Methods: Three hundred and eighty-nine Spanish youth aged 7-19 years were asked to complete the questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for five days. The objective commuting distance and time from home to school were estimated using Google Maps^TM.

Results: There were significant differences between passive and walking participants on step numbers, sedentary time and physical activity levels (except for vigorous physical activity in children). For children, a mean difference of -4.03 minutes between objective measured and self-reported journey time was found (95% limits of agreement were 13.55 and -21.60 minutes). For adolescents, the mean difference was -1.39 minutes (95% limits of agreement were 15.23 and -18.02 minutes).

Conclusions: The findings indicated that the Mode of Commuting To and From School Questionnaire showed a convergent validity to assess this behaviour in Spanish youths. Self-reported journey time for walking is comparable to Google Maps^TM in adolescents but not in children.

Keywords: Transportation; health behaviour; student; travel.