Validity and Reliability of a Parental Self-Efficacy Instrument in the Healthy School Start Prevention Trial of Childhood Obesity

Introduction. Measures of parental self-efficacy (PSE) for healthy dietary or physical activity (PA) behaviors in children have been used in several studies; however, further psychometric validation of PSE for these behaviors is needed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new PSE instrument. Methods. Mothers (n = 162) of 6-year-old children in the Healthy School Start prevention trial of childhood obesity responded to the instrument and a parent-report questionnaire on diet and PA in children. In addition, PA was objectively assessed by accelerometry. Results. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a structure composed of three factors of PSE for dietary and PA behaviors in children, and PSE was associated with parent-report of these behaviors. Internal consistency was good. Discussion. Preliminary support of the validity and reliability of the PSE instrument was provided. The measure may be useful in prevention and treatment trials of childhood obesity.