UC Davis Study of Health in Families in Transition (SHIFT)

What is the Study of Health in Families in Transition?

This is a 1-year study conducted by the University of California Davis and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The study’s primary goal is to determine the effect of neighborhood design and home environment on physical activity and other health habits. We are studying people’s activity levels before and after they move into a new community.

What will I be asked to do?

At two different time periods (prior to moving and some time after moving to your new residence) you will be asked to:

-Complete a survey, including a physical activity and travel diary, detailing all trips by foot, bicycle or car

-Wear a motion sensing device to track your physical activity over 5 days

Why is this study important?

This study will contribute to our understanding of how neighborhood design may affect physical activity levels and pollution.  The results from this research may guide urban planners, developers, and city officials in the process of improving community design in the future.  

Who can join?

You may be able to join the study if you:

-are a healthy adult 18-65 years old

-have purchased or leased a residence and will be moving within the next 6 weeks - 6 months

-are not pregnant

You may not be able to join the study if you have a physical impairment or disability which has prevented you from being able to walk or ride a bicycle during the last seven days; this includes any type of permanent or chronic disability, or an injury (such as a broken leg or broken spine).

What will I receive for being part of this study?

There will be no costs to you as a result of participation.  You will receive up to $40.00 for the time and inconvenience you incur as a result of your participation in this research study.  The payment will be in the form of a gift certificate to a local store. The payment will be prorated; you will receive a $20.00 gift certificate for each section completed (or a total of $40.00 in gift certificates if you complete both the pre-move and post-move surveys). 

How do I learn more about this study?

For more information contact: 

Susan Handy, PhD                                             

Phone: 530-752-5878                                                             

Fax: 530-752-3350                                                                            

Email: slhandy@ucdavis.edu                                                               

Website:  http://www.des.ucdavis.edu/faculty/handy/