Survey-Description

Active Where? Surveys (AWS) are a set of questionnaires designed to assess physical activity and the environmental factors that influence individuals’ physical activity levels. These surveys examine both individual behavior and perceptions of the environment, such as infrastructure for physical activity, accessibility to parks and sports facilities, and social factors that influence activity.

Analysis and Use of Data

Scale Structure:

The AWS questionnaires include items that cover different aspects of physical activity and environmental factors. Participants are asked to respond to questions about the frequency and intensity of their physical activity, as well as their perceptions of the environment in which they live.

Responses are typically recorded on Likert scales, allowing for the measurement of the intensity or frequency of participants’ physical activity and perceptions.

Data Analysis:

Descriptive Statistics: Calculation of means, standard deviations, and frequency distributions for the responses to understand the general level of physical activity and participants’ perceptions of their environment.

Total Score: The total score is derived from summing the responses to questions related to physical activity and the environment. Higher scores indicate greater frequency of physical activity or more positive perceptions of the environment.

Subscale Analysis: If the AWS includes different subscales, analyzing them can reveal specific aspects of physical activity, such as the use of sports facilities, walking or cycling, and social factors.

Data Use:

Public Health: The data can be used to develop strategies and programs that promote physical activity in various populations.

Urban Planning: Information from the surveys can guide decisions on developing or improving infrastructure that promotes exercise, such as parks, bike paths, and public sports facilities.

Research: Used in studies examining the relationship between the physical environment, physical activity, and health, as well as the impact of social and environmental factors on adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Purpose

The primary goal of the AWS is to provide reliable and valid measures for assessing physical activity and the environmental factors that influence it. Specific goals include:

Physical Activity Assessment: Understanding physical activity levels in various populations and identifying factors that enhance or limit it.

Intervention Planning: Supporting the design and implementation of interventions that promote physical activity.

Research and Policy Development: Promoting research and policy development that encourages health through physical activity and improving the physical environment.

Calibration

The calibration of the AWS involves ensuring the reliability and validity of the questionnaires. Key steps include:

Validity Assessment:

Content Validity: Ensuring that the questions adequately cover all important aspects of physical activity and the environment.

Criterion Validity: Examining correlations with other established measures of physical activity and environmental factors.

Construct Validity: Ensuring that the scales accurately measure the theoretical concepts of physical activity and environmental influences.

Reliability Assessment:

Internal Consistency: Calculated using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure the consistency of the items within the subscales.

Test-Retest Reliability: Evaluating the stability of responses by administering the questionnaires at different times.

References

Sallis, J. F., & Saelens, B. E. (2000). “Assessing perceived physical environmental variables that may influence physical activity.” Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71(3), 409-417.

Cerin, E., & Leslie, E. (2008). “How socio-economic status contributes to participation in leisure-time physical activity.” Social Science & Medicine, 66(12), 2596-2609.

Giles-Corti, B., & Donovan, R. J. (2002). “The relative influence of individual, social, and physical environment determinants of physical activity.” Social Science & Medicine, 54(12), 1793-1812.