Pros and cons
Pros
- Suitable for most populations; proxy reporters required for children and possibly the older person due to cognitive limitations in these age groups
- Low respondent burden
- Relative ease of data collection and analysis
- Relatively convenient
- Non reactive
- A variety of variables can be assessed with a single instrument
- The domain of activity relevant to the research question can be assessed
- Can rank individuals to broad categories of activity
- May provide details of the location and types (modes) of activity
Cons
- Subject to recall bias
- Subject to social desirability bias
- Many PAQs are not suitable for children with cognitive immaturity or the elderly with cognitive decline. Proxy reports of activity have unique associated errors.
- Unable to estimate energy expenditure or otherwise quantify physical activity at the individual level
- Should be adapted and modified to make them suitable for the population under study
- Modified PAQs require testing for reliability and validity