Engaging community residents in large-scale neighborhood audits for health research

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2026

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2026.102362

Abstract

Introduction

This study evaluated the feasibility of engaging community residents as community scientists to conduct large-scale pedestrian streetscape audits around bus stops for use in observational health research.

Methods

Community residents (n = 38) were recruited, trained, and certified as community scientists to conduct audits of walkability features along 337 walking routes near 273 bus stops in 10 low-income ZIP codes of Kansas City, MO. Participants completed structured classroom and field training, followed by practice and independent audits using research-based audit tools. They then participated in a reflection session and a community dissemination and advocacy event. Interrater reliability was assessed in a subsample audited by trained researchers. Quotations from the reflection event were used to summarize key reflections by the community scientists.

Results

Twenty-five community scientists completed a total of 271 audits (mean = 10.8, SD = 7.8). Interrater reliability was good to excellent for 93.6% of the items, for all bus stop and crossing subscales and 4 of the 7 segment subscales. Community scientists reported increased awareness of neighborhood conditions, identified infrastructure disparities, and contributed to a community-facing report and a dissemination event with local community members and leaders.

Conclusion

Community scientists can be trained to collect reliable, detailed microscale pedestrian environment data at scale, offering a feasible approach for large-scale observational health research. Integrating community engagement into data collection may also enhance the relevance and impact of built environment research by supporting local awareness and advocacy.

Journal Title

Journal of Transport & Health

Volume

50

First Page

102362

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