Identification of existing audit instruments for the assessment of urban and rural physical activity environments

Oral Presentation B2.5

Authors

  • Bruno Domokos University of Würzburg; Heidelberg University of Education
  • Christina Müller University of Würzburg; Heidelberg University of Education
  • Lisa Paulsen Heidelberg University of Education
  • Izabela Bojkowska Heidelberg University of Education
  • Tanja Amersbach Heidelberg University of Education
  • Jens Bucksch Heidelberg University of Education
  • Birgit Wallmann-Sperlich University of Würzburg

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.490

Keywords:

Audit, Built Environment, Rural, Urban

Abstract

Background: According to a socio-ecological perspective, the neighborhood environment plays a critical role in promoting physical activity across all population groups. A comprehensive assessment of environmental characteristics is a prerequisite to the planning, implementation and evaluation of physical activity interventions. Purpose: This work aims to identify and categorize existing audit tools for the assessment of physical activity related environmental features in order to derive relevant categories and items for the German rural and urban context as well as for different population groups. Methods: We systematically searched relevant databases (e.g., PubMed) to identify existing audit tools. Based on the current evidence, we critically reviewed the instruments regarding context and relevance for population groups. Results: We identified 86 audit tools: 55 community/streetscape audits, 13 audits for parks, trails, or public open spaces, 7 audits for playgrounds or recreation facilities, and 11 digital audits. Most tools were applicable across all age groups (n = 65). In addition, we identified 9 tools for children and adolescents, 9 for seniors, and 3 for people with disabilities/chronic diseases. We found that numerous tools contain items that do not represent the German cultural context (e.g., destinations). We identified few tools developed explicitly for the rural context (n = 3). Conclusions: Our work highlights the need for an instrument reflecting urban and specifically rural peculiarities of the German context. Funding: This work is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Centre for Health Education.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Domokos, B., Müller, C., Paulsen, L., Bojkowska, I., Amersbach, T., Jens Bucksch, & Wallmann-Sperlich, B. (2021). Identification of existing audit instruments for the assessment of urban and rural physical activity environments: Oral Presentation B2.5. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.490