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AJPH First Look, published online ahead of print Nov 13, 2008
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American Journal of Public Health, 10.2105/AJPH.2007.125104

Research and Practice

Neighborhood Characteristics and Change in Depressive Symptoms Among Older Residents of New York City

John R. Beard 1*, Magda Cerdá 2, Shannon Blaney 3, Jennifer Ahern 4, David Vlahov 3, Sandro Galea 5

1 New York Academy of Medicine; University of Sydney; Southern Cross University
2 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholar at the University of Michigan
3 New York Academy of Medicine
4 University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health; University of Michigan; New York Academy
5 New York Academy of Medicine; University of Michigan School of Public Health

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jbeard{at}nyam.org.


  Abstract

Objectives. We investigated the relationship between the depressive symptoms of older adults over time and the characteristics of the neighborhoods in which they live.

Methods. We surveyed a random sample of 1325 New York City residents aged 50 years or older in 2005 and conducted 808 follow-up interviews in 2007. We assessed the compositional characteristics of the respondents’ neighborhoods at a census-tract level and determined the relationships between these characteristics and changes in respondents’ depressive symptoms.

Results. In multivariable models that adjusted for individual-level covariates including income, a range of neighborhood characteristics predicted worsening depressive symptoms. Factor analysis suggested that these characteristics operated in 3 clusters: neighborhood socioeconomic influences, residential stability, and racial/ethnic composition, with positive neighborhood socioeconomic influences being significantly protective against worsening symptoms. Life stressors, personality trait neuroticism, African American race, and daily baseline contact with social networks were also associated with worsening symptoms.

Conclusion. An older adult’s neighborhood of residence is an important determinant of his or her mental health. Those making efforts to improve mental health among the elderly need to consider the role of residential context in improving or impairing mental health.

Key Words: Aging, Environment, Mental Health, Socioeconomic Factors, Urban Health




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The Environment and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults
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