309976
Social cohesion as a mediator of the association between walkable neighborhoods and self-rated health in a Midwest city
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether neighborhood walking, as an indicator of physical activity, and social cohesion mediated the relationship between walkable neighborhood environments and self-rated health (SRH), and whether this relationship was moderated by income.
Methods: A cluster randomized sample of Kansas City, Missouri residents was taken in fall 2010. Household surveys assessed residents’ perceptions of neighborhood walkability, social cohesion, self-reported neighborhood walking, SRH, and demographic characteristics. A multiple mediation analysis tested whether social cohesion and neighborhood walking mediated the relationship between perceived neighborhood walkability and SRH, while controlling for income and other potential confounders.
Results: A total of 811 surveys were completed. Perceptions about the walkability of the neighborhood environment were correlated with social cohesion (b=.34, p < .01), neighborhood walking (b=.13, p<.01), and SRH (b=.16, p<.01). Social cohesion mediated the relationship between neighborhood walkability and health in the uncontrolled model (b=.07, p=.02), while neighborhood walking did not (b=.02, p=.23). This effect was moderated by income, such that social cohesion was only a significant mediator of SRH in middle- to high-income respondents.
Conclusion: These data support the association between walkable environments and health, and suggest that social cohesion may play an important role in this relationship. Yet, more research is needed in understanding the saliency of social cohesion as a health mechanism among low-income residents.
Learning Areas:
Social and behavioral sciencesLearning Objectives:
Describe conceptual models linking neighborhood environments to health
Identify potential mechanisms linking the built environment to individual health behaviors and outcomes
Evaluate the role of physical activity (measured as neighborhood walking) and perceived neighborhood social cohesion in mediating the association between the presence of built environmental features that support walkability and self-rated health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present this data as I am currently a PhD student in the field of built environment and health promotion. My research interests include how walkable neighborhoods and public spaces contribute to enhanced social connectedness and health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.