A Cross-sectional Validation of a Lifestyle Questionnaire Tailored to India: The Tamil Nadu Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (TNRSSDI) Lifestyle Questionnaire

Aim & Background: Lifestyle variables such as dietary habits, physical activity, sleep, and screen time are core to the prevention and control of diabetes. In light of the distinct sociocultural scenario prevalent in the Indian community and the rising cases of metabolic disorders like diabetes, a pressing need exists for a valid and reliable lifestyle measurement tool that takes into account the local culture and psychometric properties. The aim of this research was to validate the content and reliability of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) Lifestyle Questionnaire. Methods: The method of expert review was applied to evaluate the content validity of the questionnaire with 44 items covering a wide aspect of lifestyle questions. Sixty-one physicians with expertise in diabetes care were asked to rate on a four-point ordinal scale. The item-level and scale-level content validity indices (S-CVI) were estimated, and qualitative comments on clarity and relevance to culture were checked, while Cronbach’s alpha values were determined. Results: All items had high content validity, with I-CVIs ranging from 0.98 to 1.00. Overall S-CVIAve was 0.94, which is a sign of having high S-CVI. Due to the qualitative feedback, only minor changes in wording were made. There were no items deleted in the qualitative feedback. Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.96, which signified high reliability. Conclusion: The RSSDI Lifestyle Questionnaire has adequate content validity and high internal consistency. It is a valid and useful tool to measure lifestyle parameters among diabetics and those at risk of diabetes, according to Indian standards.