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Table 1 Subscales on the NIK Self-Report Survey used in the present report, with descriptions, scoring, and internal consistency, Seattle and San Diego, 2007-2009

From: Children’s physical activity and parents’ perception of the neighborhood environment: neighborhood impact on kids study

Name

# Items

Example items, response options, and scale development

Alpha

Mean (S.D.) or proportions

Predictor variables*

    

Getting Around in Your Neighborhood[19]

22 (5 subscales)

Subjective evaluation of ease or difficulty of traveling in neighborhood due to various issues: “Parking is difficult; …There are sidewalks on most streets; … There are trees along streets.” Each item scored on 4-point Likert from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 4 (Strongly Agree). Subscales: i) street connectivity; ii) walking/cycling facilities; iii) neighborhood aesthetics; iv) traffic safety; v) safety against crime. Subscales adapted from previous research [19]

Scale i: .42

2.76 (0.76)

Scale ii: .70

2.53 (0.88)

Scale iii: .81

3.03 (0.66)

Scale iv: .60

2.37 (0.51)

Scale v: .82

2.07 (0.66)

Proximity to Locations[19]

25 (2 subscales)

“About how long would it take you to walk from your home to the nearest places listed?” Scale: from 1 (1–5 minutes) to 5 (31+ minutes) or 6 (Don’t know). Reverse recoded per [21] to indicate proximity to locations. Subscales: i) Stores/services and ii) Recreation areas (swimming pool; indoor recreation facility; water recreation areas; trails; basketball court; other fields/courts; parks; playgrounds; schools with available facilities).

Scale i: .92

2.67 (0.92)

Scale ii: .84

2.55 (0.82)

Barriers to Walking and Biking[17]

14 (2 subscales)

“It is difficult for my child to walk or bike to the closest park or playground because… there are no sidewalks; …the route is boring; …my child has too much stuff to carry.” Scale: 4-point Likert from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 4 (Strongly Agree).Subscales: i) Logistics ii) Route characteristics.

Scale i: .77

1.62 (0.55)

Scale ii: .79

1.91 (0.70)

Barriers to Activity in Your Neighborhood[17]

9 (2 subscales)

“It is difficult for my child to be active in the local park or the streets/neighborhood near our home because… there is no choice of activities; …there is no equipment; …it is not safe because of traffic.” Scale: 4-point Likert from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 4 (Strongly Agree).Subscales: i) Perceived lack of appropriate play areas; ii) Crime activity.

Scale i: .81

1.81 (0.67)

Scale ii: .72

1.57 (0.73)

Outcome Measures**

    

Neighborhood activity[17]

4

“How often is your child physically active: In your driveway or alley? …In a local street, sidewalk, or vacant lot?” Options: 1 (Never) to 6 (4 days/week or more). Recoded to indicate number of times per month, and numeric responses summed.The total was dichotomized at 4 days per week (16 days per month) to indicate physical activity in neighborhood.

.76

NA

Park activity[17]

4

“How often is your child physically active in/at the following locations: Trails/paths? …Small public park? …Large public park? …Open space?” Options: 1 (Never) to 6 (4 times/week or more). All 4 items recoded, summed and dichotomized at 2+ days per week to indicate any activity in parks/trails/open areas.

.67

NA

60+ minute activity days (outside of school)[17]

2

“How many days is/was your child physical activity for a total of at least 60 minutes per day (do not include school based activities)?” (Scored: 0–7 days). Two items: i) the past seven days; ii) Over a typical week. Averaged and then dichotomized at 5 days/week.

.93

NA

  1. NA = Not applicable due to dichotomous nature of variable.
  2. * Note: All predictor variables were directionally coded so that a higher number indicated an environment more conducive to being physically active.
  3. ** See [16] for full questionnaire set.