Construction and validation of a questionnaire on the knowledge of healthy habits and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in schoolchildren

Abstract

Objectivesto develop and analyze the reliability and validity of a questionnaire on the knowledge of healthy habits and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CARDIOKID) to be used in schoolchildren. Methodsthe study included 145 children aged 7 to 11 years. The measured factors were the knowledge of healthy habits and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Cronbach's alpha and intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to verify reliability, and exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the validity of the questionnaire. Resultsthe sample consisted of 60% females and 40% males. In factorial analysis, the Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin (KMO) test result was measures of sampling adequacy (MSA)=0.81 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was X2=(66)=458.64 (p<0.001). In the factorial analysis with varimax rotation, two dimensions were defined. The “healthy habits” dimension was composed of five factors (ICC=0.87 and α=0.93) and the “cardiovascular risk factors” dimension was composed of seven factors (ICC=0.83 and α=0.91). In the individual factor analysis, Cronbach's alphas were between 0.93 and 0.91. Total variance was 46.87%. There were no significant differences between test and retest applications. Conclusionthe questionnaire presented satisfactory validity and reliability (internal consistency and reproducibility), allowing for its use in children.