Measuring pathways towards a healthier lifestyle in the Hoorn Prevention Study: the Determinants of Lifestyle Behavior Questionnaire (DLBQ)

Objective We developed the Determinants of Lifestyle Behavior Questionnaire (DLBQ) to measure determinants of lifestyle behavioral change according to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in adults at high risk of diabetes type 2 (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of the current study was to test the validity of the DLBQ. Methods From February to September 2008, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in the region West-Friesland (The Netherlands) among 622 adults, aged 30–50 years at high risk of T2DM or CVD participating in a lifestyle intervention trial. Structural equation modeling techniques were used for confirmatory factor analysis and to test correlations between the TPB constructs. Results The results demonstrate the factorial validity of the DLBQ in this population. The theoretical factor structure of the DLBQ is supported, and 41–56% of the variance in intentions to improve lifestyle behaviors is explained. Conclusions The DLBQ proves to be a valid instrument for measuring important determinants of the intention to change three lifestyle behaviors in adults at high risk of T2DM and CVD. Practice implications The identified ‘key-determinants’ of the TPB that seem to contribute to an increased intention to change behavior could be of value in designing future lifestyle interventions.