Validating the Updated Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey in Spanish in the Dominican Context.

Abstract

To address the pediatric obesity pandemic disproportionately affecting Latino children, particularly in the Caribbean, this study developed and validated a culturally tailored Spanish version of the Family Nutrition Physical Activity (FNPA) instrument for the Dominican context. Through a multi-step iterative process involving bilingual medical professionals, ten healthcare providers, and 50 guardians of children aged 6-12, the tool underwent rigorous translation and cognitive validation. Participants found the Spanish FNPA easy to understand and culturally relevant. Essential modifications included adding local examples-such as specific sugar-sweetened beverages-and guidance on healthy sleep practices to ensure accurate responses. Ultimately, the study confirmed that the translated FNPA is culturally appropriate for Dominican families and providers. These findings support the use of the instrument in the Dominican Republic and suggest that future research should explore its applicability in other Spanish-speaking regions to compare behavioral trends across diverse settings.