International Physical Activity Questionnaire is an instrument used to assess physical activity status of population sample in age group of 20-69 years. On practical usage of the tool, the results are evaluated as MET values for domain specific MET ranges. But, when calculated for total MET values, it scores an individual on highly physical active status(min. of 3000MET min/day)
https://sites.google.com/site/theipaq/scoring-protocol
Perhaps you could compare the group to itself and categorize as low, moderate, and high. Also, are you sure that you are calculating the continuous variable, correctly. It states to use per week "MET-min per week: MET level x minutes of activity x events per week."
The issue with most self-report surveys is not the overestimation of activity but the impact of recall bias and social desire to appease in the reporting. While stratification and clustering may help with classification and categorization of respondents, it does not provide a means to overcome any type of bias in reporting. There are a few publications that might help with determining how to interpret the responses you are getting from your survey data:
Sallis. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, vol. 71, 2000; Adams, et al. American Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 161, 2005; Ainsworth. British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 43, 2009; Ham. American Journal of Public Health, vol. 100, 2010
Atienza, et al. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, vol. 43, 2011; Matthews. “Use of Self-Report Instruments to Assess Physical Activity.” In Physical Activity Assessments for Health Related Research
James, you are correct in stating that what is socially appropriate and forgetting are two common problems with PA questionnaires. There could be trends of overestimation by gender or race. How the questionnaire was distributed could also play a role in reporting to please.
Thanks James and Joan for the answers..It has certainly helped me gain understanding the shortcomings better and would keep you updated with the developments in this regard.
Umbral altitudinal para la estimulación de la masa total de hemoglobina.
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