Relative importance of physical and social aspects of perceived neighbourhood environment for self-reported health

GIDLOW, Christopher, COCHRANE, Thomas, Davey, Rachel C., SMITH, Graham and FAIRBURN, Jon (2010) Relative importance of physical and social aspects of perceived neighbourhood environment for self-reported health. Preventive Medicine, 51 (2). pp. 157-163. ISSN 0091 7435

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Abstract or description

Objective: To explore the relative importance of the perceived physical and social neighbourhood environment for physical and mental health. Methods: A representative random sample of adults was recruited from 10 areas across Stoke-on-Trent, UK (June-September 2007). Interview-administered surveys were used to record data on the perceived neighbourhood environment (physical and social), self-reported health, and socio-demographics. Multiple regression analysis was used to explore independent associations between environmental factors and physical and mental health. Results: Independent physical and social environmental factors respectively explained 6.0% and 3.2% of variability in physical health and 2.8% and 4.4% of variability in mental health. Diversity of land use was the strongest and only physical environmental predictor of physical health (Beta=0.27, p<0.001), explaining more variability than social environmental factors combined. Conversely, social support was the most important (and only) social environmental factor for mental health (Beta=-0.20, p<0.001); again, this explained more variability in mental health than the combined effect of four physical environmental predictors. Conclusion: Perceived physical and social environmental characteristics were important for physical and mental health, independent of socio-demographic factors. Living in neighbourhoods with greater land use diversity appears particularly important for physical health, whereas social support appears more closely linked to mental health.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty:	Previous Faculty of Business, Education and Law > Business Previous Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences > Sciences Previous Faculty of Health Sciences > Psychology, Sport and Exercise
Depositing User:	Jon FAIRBURN
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2013 10:17
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2023 13:36
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/372

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