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Black-white residential segregation and physical activity
1Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Talbot 2E, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. rptlopez@bu.edu
Ethnicity & Disease
|August 8, 2007
Summary
Higher Black-White residential segregation is linked to increased physical inactivity. This study suggests segregation may contribute to poorer health outcomes through reduced physical activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Residential segregation, particularly between Black and White populations, is a persistent feature of many urban environments.
- Understanding the social determinants of health is crucial for addressing health disparities.
- Physical activity is a key factor in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Black-White residential segregation and levels of physical activity among adults.
- To determine if residential segregation is an independent risk factor for physical inactivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for physical activity measures.
- Employed a multilevel study design combining individual-level data with area-level segregation measures.
- Applied hierarchical linear modeling, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors, including age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, income, and urban sprawl.
Main Results:
- A one-point increase in the Black-White Dissimilarity Index was associated with a 0.7% increase in the risk of physical inactivity (OR = 1.007, 95% CI = 1.003–1.011).
- This association was observed for both Black and White populations, indicating a broad impact of segregation.
- The link between segregation and physical inactivity was not statistically significant in the Black-only analysis.
Conclusions:
- Black-White residential segregation is significantly associated with increased odds of physical inactivity.
- Physical inactivity may serve as a mediating pathway through which residential segregation contributes to adverse health outcomes.
- Public health interventions addressing segregation could potentially improve physical activity levels and reduce health disparities.
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