iCHART

Notable disparities in physical inactivity, obesity, and chronic disease exist among rural populations across the United States. Existing studies have emphasized the importance of built environment features (e.g. sidewalks, street connectivity, parks) in shaping physical activity behaviors among urban populations. However, evidence from rural contexts remains limited by a lack of rural-specific environmental assessment tools.
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iCHART is an objective built environment audit tool that can be used by researchers, health educators, and residents to systematically assess rural areas. It was developed through a multistep process consisting of identifying and adapting existing tools, expert panel reviews, and pilot testing in 26 rural communities across five US states. Tool items represent rural built environment features that influence active living and physical activity such as community design, transportation infrastructure, safety, and recreational facilities. 

iCHART publications:

1. Seguin RA, Lo BK, Sriram U, Connor LM, Totta A. Development and testing of a community audit tool to assess rural built environments: Inventories for Community Health Assessment in Rural Towns. Prev Med Rep. 2017;7:169-175. (link)
2. Lo BK, Morgan EH, Folta SC, Graham ML, Paul LC, Nelson ME, Jew NV, Moffat LF, Seguin RA. Environmental influences on physical activity among rural adults in Montana, United States: views from built environment audits, resident focus groups, and key informant interviews. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017;14;1173. (link)