Development of an instrument to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in American Indian children

A culturally-sensitive, age-appropriate questionnaire was developed to measure the impact of an obesity prevention program on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in American Indian Children. Experts in pertinent subject matter and test construction and American Indian representatives were convened to establish content validity and cultural relevance. Four concept areas were selected for focus: food knowledge and choices, physical activity mediators, self-esteem, and body image. Relevant literature and existing instruments were reviewed and candidate items were drafted Questions were tested in 40, 3rd-5th grade American Indian children using semi-structured interviews. Then, each candidate question was reviewed in extensive meetings between the working group and 8 American Indian team members from 5 different tribes. After pilot testing, the questionnaire was tested for repeatability and consistency of scales in 351, 4th grade children in 8 schools. After revisions the instrument was again tested for repeatability and consistency of scales Results from this testing and additional feedback from American Indian team members will be used to produce the final instrument.