Validity of a scale assessing the built environment for physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the construct validity and reliability of existing self-report items measuring perceptions of the built environment for physical activity.


METHODS
Exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, and nonparametric scaling were assessed using data from a cross-sectional sample of adults (n = 479).


RESULTS
A new 5-factor model was identified. Internal consistency and scaling reliabilities were moderate to strong, providing support for the new structure.


CONCLUSIONS
Further studies are needed to confirm these results. Subscales should be treated as indices and use sum scores in analysis to detect subtle variations and provide more precise power calculations.
Gay
Jennifer L
JL
University of Texas School of Public Health, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA. Jennifer.L.Gay@uth.tmc.edu
Smith
Jessalyn
J
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004779:Environment Design; D015444:Exercise; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D011998:Recreation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D013022:South Carolina; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires