Racial differences in the longitudinal association between perceived neighborhood disorder and allostatic load.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Gerontology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Neighborhood disorder is an environmental stressor contributing to physiological wear and tear, known as allostatic load.
• Racial disparities in neighborhood environments may influence health outcomes, particularly among middle-aged and older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine racial differences in the longitudinal associations between perceived neighborhood disorder and allostatic load.
• To investigate the impact of neighborhood disorder on physiological dysregulation across racial groups in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nationally representative sample (N=14,769) from six waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2016).
• Constructed allostatic load using eight biomarkers; perceived neighborhood disorder assessed via a four-item scale.
• Employed machine learning-based inverse probability weighting and mixed-effects models to analyze longitudinal associations, adjusting for covariates and selection bias.

Main Results:

• Black respondents had 26% higher baseline allostatic load than White respondents.
• Black respondents showed a significantly steeper trajectory of allostatic load over time.
• Perceived neighborhood disorder was positively associated with allostatic load exclusively among Black respondents.

Conclusions:

• Perceived neighborhood disorder is a significant risk factor for elevated allostatic load in Black older adults.
• Findings underscore the racially stratified nature of neighborhoods in contributing to health disparities.
• Addresses the critical need to consider neighborhood context in understanding and mitigating health inequities.