Validating the Perceived Active School Travel Enablers and Barriers – Child (PASTEB-C) questionnaire

Abstract

ObjectivesPresently, child-specific tools and instruments related to active school travel (AST) are lacking. This methodological shortcoming often contributes to suboptimal AST behaviour evaluations and intervention programming. The aim of this paper was to develop and validate a theoretically informed child-specific scale regarding multiple perceived barriers and enablers known to impact children's participation in AST. Study designMixed methods. MethodsA mixed-methods and multistudy scale development approach featuring the application of social-ecological theory, a validation pilot study (n = 80), and test-retest study (n = 96) was conducted in collaboration with children in Ontario, Canada. In tandem with completing cognitive interviews and online surveys, multiple analyses, including a qualitative thematic analysis, along with weighted Cohen's kappa, Cronbach's alpha, and confirmatory factor analysis were undertaken. ResultsQualitative analyses of the developed tool addressed face validity concerns related to the response options and definitions of terms used. Following the reliability analyses of 40 items, two confirmatory factor analyses were run to assess the construct validation of perceived AST barriers and enablers, and resulted in the development of the 24-item Perceived Active School Travel Enablers and Barriers – Child (PASTEB-C) questionnaire. ConclusionThe developed PASTEB-C questionnaire may be used to inform the programming and development of AST interventions, as well as conduct child-specific AST research.