An Australian Version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale: Validity Evidence

Abstract

This study examined validity evidence for the Australian version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS-AU). A stratified two-stage cluster sampling design was used to recruit 2,650 adults from Adelaide (Australia). The sample was drawn from residential addresses within eight high-walkable and eight low-walkable suburbs matched for socio-economic status (SES). Neighborhood walkability was measured using Geographic Information Systems data on dwelling density, intersection density, net retail area, and land-use mix. Participants completed the NEWS-AU and reported weekly minutes of walking for transport and recreation (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]). Multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA) was used to define the individual- and Census Collection District (CCD)-level measurement model of the NEWS-AU. Seven individual-level and five CCD-level factors were identified. These measurement models were somewhat similar to those of the original Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). Patterns of associations between the NEWS-AU factors/scales and the walking measures provided some validity evidence for the instrument.

Key words:

• walking
• perceived built environment
• NEWS
• validity evidence

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank the South Australian Government Department for Transport and Urban Planning for providing access to the relevant GIS data used in this study. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Program Grant #301200 supported the PLACE (Physical Activity in Localities and Community Environments) study. Dr Leslie is supported by an NHMRC Public Health Fellowship # 301261. The authors thank James F. Sallis, Brian E. Saelens, and Lawrence D. Frank for their contributions to the conceptualization of the PLACE study and especially thank Neil Coffee and the National Centre for Social Applications of GIS (GISCA) for technical support.