Crime and Physical Activity: Development of a Conceptual Framework and Measures

Abstract

Background: A common hypothesis is that crime is a major barrier to physical activity, but research does not consistently support this assumption. This article advances research on crime-related safety and physical activity by developing a multilevel conceptual framework and reliable measures applicable across age groups. Methods: Criminologists and physical activity researchers collaborated to develop a conceptual framework. Survey development involved qualitative data collection and resulted in 155 items and 26 scales. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed to assess test–retest reliability in a subsample of participants (N = 176). Analyses were conducted separately by age groups. Results: Test–retest reliability for most scales (63 of 104 ICCs across 4 age groups) was “excellent” or “good” (ICC ≥ .60) and only 18 ICCs were “poor” (ICC < .40). Reliability varied by age group. Adolescents (aged 12–17 y) had ICCs above the .40 threshold for 21 of 26 scales (81%). Young adults (aged 18–39 y) and middle-aged adults (aged 40–65 y) had ICCs above .40 for 24 (92%) and 23 (88%) scales, respectively. Older adults (aged 66 y and older) had ICCs above .40 for 18 of 26 scales (69%). Conclusions: The conceptual framework and reliable measures can be used to clarify the inconclusive relationships between crime-related safety and physical activity.

Crime and physical activity measures from the Safe and Fit Environments Study (SAFE) Psychometric properties across age groups

“…Importantly, the measurement properties were shown to be invariant (equal) across the four age groups of interest, thus facilitating cross-group comparisons in predictive models. This conclusion is consistent with the preliminary test-retest reliability evaluation reported in Patch et al (3). Although not reported due to space limitations, the findings reported herein were confirmed using additional statistical procedures specific to categorical data analysis (including item response theory) and accounting for clustering at the block group level.…”

“…Young Adult A systematic process was used to develop and adapt survey items and scales to provide operational definitions of the constructs in the SAFE conceptual framework (3). The survey development process was guided by several principles: 1) draw from existing crime and physical activity measures when possible, 2) develop new items as needed based on focus group and expert input, 3) design items to apply across age, gender, and socio-demographic groups, and 4) minimize respondent burden by limiting length of scales and maintaining a common response format.…”

“…Test-retest reliability information for these measures was provided on a subsample of participants (N = 176) by Patch et al (3). The majority of these measures achieved adequate reliability across age groups.…”

Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of WalkIT Arizona: A factorial randomized trial testing adaptive goals and financial reinforcement to increase walking across higher and lower walkable neighborhoods

“…Safety.-Crime and fear of crime are often cited as contributors to low PA across the lifespan, but the data are surprisingly inconsistent [79]. A refined measure of crime and responses to crime developed from another study was adopted for the current study [79].…”

“…Safety.-Crime and fear of crime are often cited as contributors to low PA across the lifespan, but the data are surprisingly inconsistent [79]. A refined measure of crime and responses to crime developed from another study was adopted for the current study [79]. The survey assessed personal experiences with personal-and property-crimes, cognitive and emotional responses to crime, and behavioral responses to crime that affect PA within one's neighborhood.…”