Cognitive Interviews for Validating the Family Nutrition Physical Activity Instrument for Korean-American Families With Young Children

Abstract

PurposeChildhood obesity is a growing health concern for Korean-Americans (KA). The purpose of this study was to develop a culturally appropriate Korean-language version of the Family Nutrition Physical Activity (FNPA) instrument and evaluate its comprehensibility and cultural appropriateness of the FNPA for KAs. Design and MethodsThe FNPA was translated into Korean and cognitive interviews were conducted with 19 KA mothers in the Chicago metropolitan area. ResultsOverall, participants reported that the FNPA is easy to understand and said they had no difficulty answering items using a 4-point Likert scale. Six out of 20 items had minor revisions due to: items that were not specific enough, had confusing wording, or led to incorrect interpretations. ConclusionsCognitive interviews confirmed the cultural appropriateness of the translated FNPA in the KA context. It is crucial that child's age and cultural aspects of a child's household routines should be taken into consideration when the original FNPA is being used with culturally diverse populations. Practice ImplicationsHealth care professionals may use the FNPA when assessing family environment in their efforts to prevent and control childhood obesity among KAs.