The relation of the perceived environment to fear, physical activity, and health in public housing developments: evidence from Chicago.
Within the realm of active living in urban neighborhoods in the United States, only a few studies have addressed the factors that promote or inhibit active living among residents in public housing. This paper examines the environmental and interpersonal factors associated with active living and health in public housing. We specifically examine the environmental predictors of fear of crime, and whether fear is related to moderate physical activity, and in turn, health and obesity. The analysis drew upon data from a sample of 328 African-American residents living in two severely distressed public housing developments in 2007. Structural equation modeling was used to calculate a path model of direct and indirect effects. Perceptions of violence were positively associated with fear, and both fear and physical activity predicted health. However, neither fear nor physical activity was associated with obesity. We discuss the implications of these findings for improving the quality of life of disadvantaged residents living in high-crime neighborhoods.
Roman
Caterina G
CG
Department of Criminal Justice, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. croman@temple.edu
Knight
Carly R
CR
Chalfin
Aaron
A
Popkin
Susan J
SJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002641:Chicago; D003415:Crime / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D011594:Psychometrics; D011638:Public Housing; D012938:Social Perception; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult