Psychometric Properties of the Health Risk and Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire

Abstract

The Health Risk and Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire (CFREV) was developed at the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, to identify health-related risk behaviors and lifestyle habits in young populations. The instrument includes 52 items covering tobacco and alcohol use, sexual behavior and condom use, sedentary behavior, dietary habits, physical activity, and exercise. Items are scored using multiple response formats designed to accurately capture the frequency and intensity of the targeted behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the CFREV’s psychometric properties in a university student population. An instrumental study was conducted with 340 students (X ̄ = 21.83; SD = 2.83), 71.8% from FES Iztacala, and 65.9% women. The CFREV was administered in three formats: paper-andpencil (n = 89), computer-assisted (n = 137), and online (n = 114). Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference), blood glucose, and blood pressure were collected. Content validity was assessed using a rubric completed by 15 health psychology and behavioral assessment expert judges. Structural validity was evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent and discriminant validity were examined, as well as internal consistency (omega coefficient) and testretest reliability (ICC, n = 69). Expert evaluation supported high item relevance (≥ .76) and content coverage (≥ .90). CFA indicated excellent model fit (χ² = 353.604, p =.178, gl = 350, χ²/gl =1.01, CFI = .970, TLI = .968, GFI = .955, RMSEA = .029, IC 90% .000-.052). Three of the six factors showed adequate convergent validity (AVE ≥ .50). Weak but statistically significant correlations were found between negative lifestyle scores and anthropometric indicators (Rho = .15, p < .05), as well as physiological variables and positive lifestyle scores (Rho = –.24, p < .05). Discriminant validity was confirmed with heterotrait-monotrait (HTMT) ratios below .85. Internal consistency was acceptable across subscales (ω = .586 to .884), and test–retest reliability ranged from moderate to excellent (ICC = .529 to .952, p < .001). The CFREV demonstrated strong initial evidence of content validity, robust structural fit, satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity, as well as adequate internal consistency and temporal stability. These findings support its use as a diagnostic and screening tool for evaluating health-related risk behaviors and lifestyle patterns among university students. Future research should continue, although further analysis is required to improve its indicators.