@article{ref1,
title="Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Walkability scale in persons with multiple sclerosis: initial validation of score inferences",
journal="Journal of transport and health",
year="2020",
author="Silveira, Stephanie L. and Motl, Robert W.",
volume="19",
number="",
pages="e100952-e100952",
abstract="Introduction There is increasing interest in perceptions of the built environment as a correlate of physical activity among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examined if scores from the Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS-A) provide a valid inference regarding features of the environment in MS.  Methods Participants completed a cross-sectional survey that included the NEWS-A as well as a demographic and clinical characteristics measure and the Social Provisions Scale (SPS). Walk Scores® were calculated based on residential addresses. We examined Spearman's Rank-Order Correlations (rs) among NEWS-A subscales with Walk Scores®, social environment, and individual factors, and interpreted the correlations based on a nomological network informed by a social-ecological model.  Results There were complete data for 566 participants with MS. There were large correlations between NEWS-A land-use mix diversity, land-use mix access, infrastructure for safety and walking with Walk Scores® (rs = 0.51-0.57). There were medium correlations between NEWS-A residential density, street connectivity, and crime with Walk Scores® (rs = 0.31-0.48), and small correlations between NEWS-A aesthetics and traffic hazards with Walk Scores® (rs = 0.04-0.10). There were small-medium correlations between all other NEWS-A subscales with SPS, marital status, age, and PDDS (rs = 0.01-0.39).  Conclusions Our results provide initial evidence for the validity of NEWS-A scores as a measure of perceived neighborhood walkability that may be associated with health behaviors in MS.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2214-1405",
doi="10.1016/j.jth.2020.100952",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2020.100952"
}