Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Physical Activity Parenting Questionnaire for Children
European Journal of Pediatrics, vol.185, no.7, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 185 Issue: 7
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s00431-026-07210-z
- Journal Name: European Journal of Pediatrics
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Child-report, Parenting practices, Physical activity, Questionnaire validation, Reliability
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Parental practices play a critical role in shaping children’s physical activity behaviors, particularly during early school age when parental influence remains strong. The Physical Activity Parenting Questionnaire for Children (PAP-C) is a child-reported, multidimensional instrument designed for children aged 7–10 years; however, no validated Turkish version is currently available. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the PAP-C. This methodological, cross-sectional study included 279 children aged 7–10 years attending a pediatric outpatient clinic in Türkiye. The PAP-C was translated and culturally adapted following internationally accepted guidelines. Content validity was assessed. Construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω. The study included 279 children (mean age: 8.6 years). The Turkish PAP-C demonstrated strong content validity (S-CVI). Sociodemographic variables showed no significant differences in scale scores, except for higher Involvement scores in children whose fathers had primary school education (p = 0.033). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an acceptable to good model fit (CFI: 0.923, TLI: 0.913, RMSEA: 0.055). Standardized factor loadings ranged from 0.599 to 0.866. All subscales exceeded empirical thresholds for convergent validity. The total scale showed good reliability (Omega: 0.951). HTMT values confirmed distinct discriminant validity among the three latent factors. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the PAP-C is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing children’s perceptions of physical activity related parenting practices. It provides a culturally appropriate tool for both research and clinical assessment. (Table presented.)