title: A Spatial Analysis of Body Mass Index and Neighborhood Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Men and Women.
abstract: The spatial distribution of obesity among the older population can yield insights into the influence of contextual factors associated with this public health problem. We tested the relationship between neighborhood-level characteristics and body mass index (BMI) using global and local spatial statistics of geographic clustering, using data derived from a random-digit-dial sample of 5,319 community-dwelling adults aged 50 to 74 residing in 1,313 census tracts in New Jersey. Geographically weighted regression modeled associations between BMI clusters and neighborhood characteristics, including metrics of structure, safety, demographics, and amenities. Across the sample panel, average BMI was 28.62 kg/m(2) for women and 28.25 kg/m(2) for men. There was significant spatial clustering of obesity by census tract, varying by gender across the state. Neighborhood characteristics were more strongly related to BMI for women than men. This research illuminates the role of neighborhood contextual factors and will assist community planners, officials, and public health practitioners as they address the rise in obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography and Environment, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA christmanz@rowan.edu.
authors.forename: Zachary
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Christman
authors.affiliation: New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pruchno
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cromley
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wilson-Genderson
authors.affiliation: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Izza
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mir
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D062305:Geographic Mapping; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009515:New Jersey; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D062206:Spatial Analysis
keywords: Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation; New Jersey; United States; body mass index; clustering; geographically weighted regression; neighborhood contextual factors; obesity; older people