Development and psychometric evaluation of the physical activity and nutritional behavior questionnaire based on social cognitive theory (PANBQ-SCT) in the middle aged at risk of coronary artery disease

Abstract Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cardiovascular disease and the main cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Physical activity and nutrition behaviors are modifiable factors in people at risk of CAD and the related risk factors. There is evidence to suggest that socio-cognitive factors play a crucial role in adopting physical activity and nutritional behaviors. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the physical activity and nutritional behavior Questionnaire based on the social cognitive theory (PANBQ-SCT). Methods A questionnaire was developed based on the constructs of Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, knowledge, self-efficacy, collective efficiency, outcome expectations, observational learning, normative beliefs, social support, barriers and opportunities, reinforcement and punishment, behavioral skills, behavioral intention and nutritional behaviors. The questionnaire was administered as a two-week test-retest among the middle aged at risk of CAD. Confirmatory factor analysis was run to test the model fit of each scale using multiple indices including chi-square test, comparative-fit index (CFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Reliability indices were also tested (ICC and Cronbach’s alpha). Results The reliability and factorial validity of each subscale were substantiated. Fit indices suggested that each model was an adequate-to-exact fit to data (CFI = .928, IFI = .894, GFI = .943, TLI = .969, RMSEA = .046). The internal consistency of the test was good, as Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.913, and for the subscales ranged between 0.768 and 0.899. Also, the ICC ranged between 0.643 and 0.918. Conclusions The results substantiated the reliability and factorial validity of the socio-cognitive constructs related to physical activity and nutrition behaviors among the middle aged at risk of CAD. Thus, the suggested scale can be used to identify potential socio-cognitive correlates of middle age physical activity and nutrition behaviors, the mediators and validation of theoretical models based on SCT.