Multidimensional structure of a questionnaire to assess barriers to and motivators of physical activity in recipients of solid organ transplantation

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the underlying dimensions of the Barriers and Motivators Questionnaire that is used to assess barriers to and motivators of physical activity experienced by recipients of solid organ transplantation and thereby improve the application in research and clinical settings.

Method: A cross-sectional study was performed in recipients of solid organ transplantation (n = 591; median (IQR) age = 59 (49; 66); 56% male). The multidimensional structure of the questionnaire was analyzed by exploratory principal component analysis. Cronbach’s α was calculated to determine internal consistency of the entire questionnaire and individual components.

Results: The barriers scale had a Cronbach’s α of 0.86 and was subdivided into four components; α of the corresponding subscales varied between 0.80 and 0.66. The motivator scale had an α of 0.91 and was subdivided into four components with an α between 0.88 to 0.70. Nine of the original barrier items and two motivator items were not included in the component structure.

Conclusion: A four-dimensional structure for both the barriers and motivators scale of the questionnaire is supported. The use of the indicated subscales increases the usability in research and clinical settings compared to the overall scores and provide opportunities to identify modifiable constructs to be targeted in interventions.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Organ transplant recipients are less active than the general population despite established health benefits of physical activity.

• A multidimensional structure is shown in the Barriers and Motivators Questionnaire, the use of the identified subscales increases applicability in research and clinical settings.

• The use of the questionnaire with its component structure in the clinical practice of a rehabilitation physician could result in a faster assessment of problem areas in daily practice and result in a higher degree of clarity as opposed to the use of the individual items of the questionnaire.

Keywords:

• Attitude to health
• barriers
• motivators
• organ transplant
• physical activity

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all participants and fellow employees of the Groningen Transplant Center for their contribution. We especially like to thank Mrs. Coby Annema-de Jong, Mrs. Sijrike van der Mei, Mrs. Pieta Wijsman, and Mrs. José Vlap for their collaboration in the questionnaire survey.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article. No funding was received for conducting this study.