Neighborhood Conditions and Psychosocial Outcomes Among Middle-Aged African Americans: A Cross-sectional Analysis. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tabet, Maya; Sanders, Erin A.; Schootman, Mario; Chang, Jen Jen; Wolinsky, Fredric D.; Malmstrom, Theodore K.; Miller, Douglas K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of primary care & community health. Volume 8:Number 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: African American -- community health -- managerial epidemiology -- neighborhood -- psychosocial factors; Primary health care -- Periodicals; Primary health care -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1177/2150131916675350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-1319

Abstract

Objective: We examined associations between observed neighborhood conditions (good/adverse) and psychosocial outcomes (stress, depressive symptoms, resilience, and sense of control) among middle-aged and older African Americans.Methods: The sample included 455 middle-aged and older African Americans examined in Wave 10 of the African American Health (AAH) study. Linear regression was adjusted for attrition, self-selection into neighborhoods, and potential confounders, and stratified by the duration at current address (<5 vs ≥5 years) because of its hypothesized role as an effect modifier.Results: Among individuals who lived at their current address for ≥5 years, residing in neighborhoods with adverse versus good conditions was associated with significantly less stress (standardized β = −0.18; P = .002) and depressive symptoms (standardized β = −0.12; P = .048). Among those who lived at their current address for <5 years, residing in neighborhoods with adverse versus good conditions was not significantly associated with stress (standardized β = 0.18; P = .305) or depressive symptoms (standardized β = 0.36; P = .080).Conclusion: Neighborhood conditions appear to have significant, complex associations with psychosocial factors among middle-aged and older African Americans. This holds important policy implications, especially since adverse neighborhood conditions may still result in adverse physical health outcomes in individuals with >5 years at current residence despite being associated with better psychosocial outcomes.