The Igbo version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)- A cross-cultural adaptation study

Physical activity (PA) plays a critical role in preventing non-communicable diseases, and maintaining the overall health and well-being of adults. PA surveillance has become a global concern leading to the development of numerous surveys for its measurement. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) merges the advantages of both the short and long versions of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) by incorporating various domains (work, transport, and leisure time), while still maintaining a significantly shorter length. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the original English version of GPAQ to the Igbo culture and environment.

The original version of GPAQ (GPAQ) was translated, synthesized, back-translated, and subjected to expert panel review before producing the final Igbo version of the GPAQ (GPAQ-I). The GPAQ and GPAQ-I were administered to 155 community-dwelling adults (36.1% males and 63.9% females) living in Nnewi who were recruited consecutively. The data obtained was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviations, Spearman rank order test, and Mann-Whitney U test with p-value set at 0.05.

There was no significant difference in the scores on the English and Igbo versions of the GPAQ (p < 0.001). The correlations between the corresponding domains and total scores on both versions of the GPAQ (rho = 1.0)showed excellent concurrent agreement.

The successfully adapted GPAQ-I demonstrated a strong agreement with the original English version. Further psychometric testing is required to fully establish its internal consistency, reliability, and validity.