Validation of the PACER-PT: a measure of health-relevant perceptions of gentrification-related neighbourhood change

Objective: Urban neighbourhoods across Europe are rapidly transforming through gentrification, with Portuguese cities particularly affected. Although the health impacts of these changes are increasingly recognised, validated instruments to assess perceptions of neighbourhood change remain scarce. This study adapted and validated a Portuguese version of the Perceptions About Change in Environment and Residents (PACER-PT) scale. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 255 adults living for >=5yrs in the Lisbon and Porto Metropolitan Areas. PACER was translated and culturally adapted to create PACER-PT. We evaluated psychometric properties using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), internal consistency, and convergent and criterion validity. Results: EFA identified a three-factor structure explaining 47.5% of the variance: Built, social and economic changes, Positive attitude towards neighbourhood changes, and Displacement concerns and neighbourhood disruption. Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach s alpha=0.70-0.78). Convergent/criterion validity were supported by significant associations with amount and pace of change, self-rated health, and quality of life. Younger and wealthier participants and those with greater residential satisfaction reported more favourable perceptions. Conclusions: PACER-PT demonstrated it is a valid instrument for assessing gentrification-related neighbourhood changes in Portugal.