title: Perceived neighborhood environment affecting physical and mental health: a study with Korean American older adults in New York City.
abstract: This study examined how subjective perceptions of the neighborhood environment (e.g., perceived ethnic density, safety, social cohesion, and satisfaction) influenced the physical and mental health of Korean American older adults. Using data from 420 residents of the New York City metropolitan area (M(age) = 71.6, SD = 7.59), health perceptions and depressive symptoms were estimated with hierarchical regression models entered in the order of (1) demographics and acculturation, (2) health-related variables, and (3) perceived neighborhood environment. After controlling for the effects of the individual-level variables, perceived neighborhood environment was found to make a significant contribution to both outcomes. Individuals less satisfied with their overall neighborhood environment were more likely to have negative perceptions of health and depressive symptoms. A strong linkage between perceived neighborhood safety and depressive symptoms was also observed. Findings from the study highlight the importance of subjective evaluations of neighborhood environment and provide implications for health promotion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA.
authors.forename: Soonhee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roh
authors.forename: Yuri
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Chiriboga
authors.forename: Kyung Hwa
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kwag
authors.forename: Sunhee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Kunsook
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bernstein
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000208:ethnology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D010809:Physical Fitness; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000208:ethnology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires