Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 13, Issue 6, 2011, Pages 1005-1012

Perceived neighborhood environment affecting physical and mental health: A study with Korean American older adults in New York City (Article)

Roh S. , Jang Y.* , Chiriboga D.A. , Kwag K.H. , Cho S. , Bernstein K.
  • a Department of Social Work, University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069, United States
  • b Department of Aging and Mental Health Disparities, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, United States
  • c Department of Aging and Mental Health Disparities, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, United States
  • d Department of Aging and Mental Health Disparities, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, United States
  • e Hunter College, School of Nursing, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
  • f Hunter College, School of Nursing, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States

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. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Author Keywords

Health Perceived neighborhood environment Korean American older adults

Index Keywords

South Korea depression Republic of Korea fitness Environment Design mental health human middle aged Aged ethnology Physical Fitness environmental planning United States Humans male female Aged, 80 and over questionnaire Article Questionnaires New York City pathophysiology
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80755140085&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-011-9492-3&partnerID=40&md5=eec7734add84e94bc77e4ee27399fc80
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-011-9492-3
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 38
Original Language: English