Evaluation of a multicomponent infrastructural and app-based intervention to increase children's active school travel: A multiple methods study in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Power Up Schools (Power Up) was a temporary intervention involving a range of activities aimed at increasing children's active school travel (AST) with a focus on physical and social aspects of schools and their surrounding environs. We evaluated the impact of Power Up on children's AST an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Social sciences & humanities open Vol. 10; p. 100980
Main Authors:	Smith, Melody, Donnellan, Niamh, Cavadino, Alana, van Roijen, Matthew, McGlashan Fainu, Hayley
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier Ltd 2024 Elsevier
Subjects:	Active transport Cycle train Equity Mixed methods Tactical urbanism Walking school bus Equity Active transport Cycle train Walking school bus Tactical urbanism Mixed methods
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Power Up Schools (Power Up) was a temporary intervention involving a range of activities aimed at increasing children's active school travel (AST) with a focus on physical and social aspects of schools and their surrounding environs. We evaluated the impact of Power Up on children's AST and how multiple stakeholders (children, school representatives, parents, residents) perceived the overall intervention and its components. This was a multiple methods evaluation study with four primary (elementary) schools in Auckland and their wider communities. The study involved longitudinal data collection (daily travel modes reported by children), repeat cross-sectional surveys with parents, single time-point cross-sectional surveys with residents, post intervention focus groups with children and parents, and post intervention interviews with school representatives. Findings showed evidence for increased AST; general support for Power Up by children, parents, and school representatives; mixed support by residents for some components; the importance of considering diverse needs and preferences in future interventions; the need for more comprehensive communication across stakeholders; and the value of streamlining processes for schools and parents. Comprehensive approaches that are embedded within, and accepted by, the wider school community are recommended for sustainable and effective AST interventions. •Mixed impacts across children, parents, school representatives and residents.•Evidence suggests efficacy in increasing active travel for some children.•Comprehensive approaches and effective communication are essential.
ISSN:	2590-2911 2590-2911
DOI:	10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100980