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Perceived and Police-Reported Neighborhood Crime: Linkages to Adolescent Activity Behaviors and Weight Status
Ann Forsyth1, Melanie Wall2, Tse Choo3
1Department of Urban Planning and Design, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Summary
Neighborhood crime is linked to adolescent obesity and reduced physical activity. Perceived and reported crime impact girls
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Environmental Criminology
Background:
- Adolescent obesity and physical inactivity are significant public health issues.
- Neighborhood characteristics, including crime, may influence adolescent health behaviors.
- Limited research explores the link between neighborhood crime and adolescent physical activity, screen time, and BMI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between perceived and objective neighborhood crime and adolescent physical activity, screen time, and BMI.
- To examine these associations stratified by gender.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 2,455 diverse adolescents (ages 14.6) in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
- Data collected via classroom surveys and objective BMI measurements.
- Linear regressions analyzed associations between perceived/reported crime and health outcomes, adjusting for covariates and stratifying by gender.
Main Results:
- Positive association between perceived crime and BMI in both genders; reported crime linked to BMI in girls.
- Girls: higher perceived crime associated with increased screen time.
- Boys: higher reported property crime linked to reduced physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents' perceptions of neighborhood safety are associated with health behaviors and BMI.
- Community programs should address safety concerns as barriers to physical activity.
- Interventions to reduce actual crime rates are crucial for adolescent well-being.
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