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

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 alpha was calculated to determine internal consistency of the entire questionnaire and individual components.

Results: The barriers scale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.86 and was subdivided into four components; alpha of the corresponding subscales varied between 0.80 and 0.66. The motivator scale had an alpha of 0.91 and was subdivided into four components with an alpha 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.