The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64200

Jessica Muilenburg, MPH¹, Crystal L. Jenkins, MPH², Mark Dignan, PhD, MPH³, and David Coombs, PhD¹. (1) Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, 105 Norridge Place, Pelham, AL 35124, (2) Prevention Research Center, University of Kentucky, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite B100, Lexington, KY 40504, 859.296.6630 X226, cjenkins@prc.uky.edu, (3) Kentucky Cancer Prevention, Kentucky Prevention Research Program, 2365 Harrodsburg Rd., Suite B100, Lexington, KY 40504

Despite numerous studies on environmental conditions and their relation to crime and social problems, few studies have examined the relationship between living conditions and use of preventive health measures such as cancer screening. The “Broken Windows” theory, first implemented in 1982, postulates that broken windows and other signs of disrepair can be measured to indicate levels of community deterioration. We examined relationships between neighborhood deterioration and self-reported health status and cancer screening practices of women in eight low and middle-income neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama. Health information was collected through face-to-face surveys with female heads of households (N=363). An environmental assessment of the neighborhoods was carried out based on a randomly selected subset of completed health surveys. Researchers assessed the deterioration of houses and street blocks were assessed for graffiti, abandoned cars, accumulated garbage, and abandoned lots. Each neighborhood was assigned a score (1- 4) based on their level of deterioration with “1” indicating low deterioration and “4” indicating high deterioration. The “Broken Windows” scale used in this study was adapted from the work of Cohen, et al. (2000) who examined the relationships between neighborhood conditions and gonorrhea. Environmental assessments were carried out on 201 residences with over 65% rating as highly deteriorated neighborhoods. Neighborhood conditions, as indicated by our measures, were not a strong predictor of respondent’s health status or cancer screening practices compared to other variables in the survey, such as ability to drive and age.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Discuss the impact of neighborhood deterioration on cancer screening behavior. 2.Identify a scale to measure neighborhood deterioration.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Environmental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.