Citation
Boen, Courtney (2014). Does integration produce equity? A longitudinal study of the effects of neighborhood conditions on racial health inequality.
2014 Add Health Users Conference. Bethesda, MD.
Abstract
Research identifies racial residential segregation as a key determinant of health disparities, yet three critical gaps in the literature remain. First, whether neighborhood economic conditions and neighborhood racial composition operate through similar or unique mechanisms to affect health remains unknown, as many studies of racial residential segregation and health confound these distinct characteristics of neighborhood context. Second, the specific biophysiological mechanisms through which neighborhood context affects health remain largely unspecified. Finally, much of the research on segregation and health is cross-sectional and does not examine how neighborhood contexts affect health as individuals age. Using multilevel modeling strategies and three wavesof data from Add Health, this study examines how neighborhood economic conditions and racial composition affect biomarkers of physiological functioning over time. Preliminary analyses indicate that neighborhood economic deprivation harms health by increasing physiological stress response and decreasing levels of social integration. After adjusting for neighborhood economic conditions, I find that increased levels of neighborhood racial homogeneity result in worse outcomes for Whites but improved outcomes for Blacks, in part because Blacks living in highly segregated neighborhoods report reduced exposure to racial discrimination. This study extends understanding of the links between race, place, and health.
URL
https://addhealth.cpc.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/docs/events/20140613_Add_Health_Users_Conference_Abstracts.pdfReference Type
Conference proceeding
Book Title
2014 Add Health Users Conference
Author(s)
Boen, Courtney
Year Published
2014
City of Publication
Bethesda, MD
Reference ID
6253