Desenvolvimento e validade de um instrumento para avaliar as barreiras percebidas pelos adolescentes para o deslocamento ativo para a escola

Objective: To develop and validate an instrument to assess the perceived barriers by Brazilian adolescents to active commuting to school. Methods: The participants in this study were Brazilian adolescents (15-17 years old) from public schools in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. A subsample (n=44) was selected to carry out focus groups, where the results showed barriers to active commuting at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental levels. Subsequently, 200 adolescents participated in the instrument validation process. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed for validity analysis, and Cronbach's alpha (α) was used for internal consistency analysis. Results: The fit was satisfactory: χ²(27) = 58.6, p < 0.001, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.076; standard root-mean-square residual (SRMR) = 0.051, with a mean score of 8.4 (SD = 5.5), Cronbach's alpha (α) of 0.77 (0.72-0.82). Conclusions: The final instrument included 7 questions and presented satisfactory factorial validity and adequate internal consistency, being considered a valid measure to assess the perceived barriers by adolescents to active commuting to school. Active commuting incentive programs should incorporate the findings of this study to improve public safety and infrastructure aspects.