USyd
Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Survey
Purpose
NEWS (Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Survey) is a research audit tool developed for a pilot study which evaluated self-report measures of neighbourhood environment variables hypothesised to be important contributors to physical activity.
Method
Self-report measures of neighbourhood environmental characteristics were collected.
Self-report measures of physical activity and weight status were also collected using different tools.
Brief description
NEWS (the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Survey) was developed by researchers in the United States of America. It assesses the following neighbourhood environment characteristics:
- Residential density
- Land use mix diversity/Access to services
- Street connectivity
- Walking/cycling facilities such as footpaths and cycle paths
- Neighbourhood surroundings/Aesthetics
- Traffic safety
- Crime safety
Locating the instrument
NEWS instrument [View/Print PDF]
NEWS scoring procedures [View/Print PDF]
Related References and Links
Active Living Research website precise
http://www.activelivingresearch.org/index.php/NEWS/367
Saelens B et al. Neighbourhood-based differences in physical activity: An environment scale evaluation. American Journal of Public Health Sept 2003; 93(9): 1552-1558.
Brownson R et al. Measuring the environment for friendliness toward physical activity: A comparison of the reliability of three questionnaires. American Journal of Public Health 2004; 94(3): 473-483.
Leslie E et al. Residents’ perceptions of walkability attributes in objectively different neighbourhoods: A pilot study. Health and Place 2005; 11: 227-236.
De Bourdeaudhuij I et al. Environmental correlates of physical activity in a sample of Belgian adults. American Journal of Health Promotion 2003; 18, 83-92.
