title: Depressive symptoms mediate the association between fear of crime and higher body mass index.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate pathways in the association between fear of crime and obesity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was administered among residents aged 18 years and older across all Census tracts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Genesee County, Michigan.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 3192 residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by using the respondents' reported height and weight. Composite fear-of-crime and depressive symptoms scores were calculated by using several survey items. ANALYSIS . Path analysis examined the effects of fear of crime on BMI. RESULTS . Fear of crime was associated with higher BMI. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between fear of crime and BMI (p < .001). Moderate exercise mediated the association between depressive symptoms and BMI (p < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fear of crime was associated with depressive symptoms, which in turn were associated with reduced exercise and subsequently higher BMI.
authors.forename: Gergana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kodjebacheva
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koleilat
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kruger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003415:Crime / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications*; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Fear of Crime, Depressive Symptoms, Exercise, Body Mass Index, Prevention Research. Manuscript format: brief; Health focus: weight control, fitness/physical activity; Outcome measure: biometric; Research purpose: modeling/relationship testing; Setting: local community; Strategy: skill building/behavior change; Study design: nonexperimental; Target population age: adults, seniors; Target population circumstances: education/income level and race/ethnicity