Development and validation of elder-friendly urban spaces questionnaire (EFUSQ)

Abstract Background Considering the lack of specific measurement tools to study elders’ perceptions in outdoor spaces, the study objectives were to derive and validate a questionnaire that assesses the essential features of elderly-friendly urban spaces. Methods We used closed-ended questions in two...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Azadeh Lak, Reihaneh Aghamolaei, Hamid R. Baradaran, Phyo K. Myint
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2019-12-01
Series:BMC Geriatrics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1355-0
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Considering the lack of specific measurement tools to study elders’ perceptions in outdoor spaces, the study objectives were to derive and validate a questionnaire that assesses the essential features of elderly-friendly urban spaces. Methods We used closed-ended questions in two phases. In the first qualitative phase, a preliminary questionnaire was defined using grounded theory. In the second phase, the psychometric properties of the elderly-friendly urban spaces were examined through validity and reliability indices. Results The findings of the first phase led to a preliminary item extraction and questionnaire with 15 major domains based on three dimensions: place function, place preferences, and process. In the second phase, a 48-item questionnaire, based on three dimensions, in addition to personal characteristics, was introduced. Conclusions The Elderly-Friendly Urban Spaces Questionnaire (EFUSQ) can be adopted in various communities in understanding of how to create age-friendly urban spaces to promote active aging.
ISSN:1471-2318