Traditional surveys versus ecological momentary assessments: digital citizen science approaches to improve ethical physical activity surveillance among youth
Authors: Ibrahim Sheriff Tolulope , Hammami Nour , Katapally Tarun Reddy 
Published: June 2023

Background

The role of physical activity (PA) in minimizing non-communicable diseases is well established. Measurement bias can be reduced via ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) deployed via citizen-owned smartphones. This study aims to engage citizen scientists to understand how PA reported digitally by retrospective and prospective measures varies within the same cohort.

Methods

This study used the digital citizen science approach to collaborate with citizen scientists, aged 13-21 years over eight consecutive days via a custom-built app. Citizen scientists were recruited through schools in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in 2018 (August 31 - December 31). Retrospective PA was assessed through a survey, which was adapted from three validated PA surveys to suit smartphone-based data collection, and prospective PA was assessed through time-triggered EMAs deployed consecutively every day, from day 1 to day 8, including weekdays and weekends. Data analyses included t-test to understand the difference in PA reported retrospectively and prospectively, and linear regressions to assess contextual and demographic factors associated with PA reported retrospectively and prospectively.

Result

Findings showed a significant difference between PA reported retrospectively and prospectively (p = 0.001). Ethnicity (visible minorities: β = - 0.911, 95% C.I.= -1.677, -0.146), parental education (university: β = 0.978, 95% C.I.= 0.308, 1.649), and strength training (at least one day: β = 0.932, 95% C.I.= 0.108, 1.755) were associated with PA reported prospectively. In contrast, the number of active friends (at least one friend: β = 0.741, 95% C.I.= 0.026, 1.458) was associated with retrospective PA.

Conclusion

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of mortality globally, which requires accurate monitoring to inform population health interventions. In this digital age, where ubiquitous devices provide real-time engagement capabilities, digital citizen science can transform how we measure behaviours using citizen-owned ubiquitous digital tools to support prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases.

Author summary

Traditionally, the surveillance of physical activity has been predominantly conducted with retrospective surveys that require participants to recall behaviours, a methodology which has significant challenges due to measurement bias. With advances in digital technology, ubiquitous devices offer a solution through ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). Using the Smart Framework, which combines citizen science with community-based participatory research, this study ethically obtained retrospective and prospective EMA physical activity data from the same cohort of youth citizen scientists, who used their own smartphones to engage with our team over an eight-day period. The findings show a significant difference between physical activity reported through retrospective and prospective EMAs. Moreover, there was also a variation between contextual and demographic factors that were associated with retrospective and prospective physical activity – evidence that points towards the need to adapt physical activity surveillance in the digital age by ethically engaging with citizens via their own ubiquitous digital devices.