Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109043

Nykiconia D. Preacely, MPH, Department of Epidemiology School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699, 817-735-0522, nykip@yahoo.com and Kathryn M. Cardarelli, MPH, PhD, Epidemiology, UNTHSC-School of Public Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699.

Many studies have provided evidence directly linking socioeconomic position, social capital, and the built environment to health. However, no studies have examined the pathway linking the three of them simultaneously to health. We attempt to incorporate these three mechanisms on their interaction with health status. Common measures of socioeconomic position: education, income, and occupation, are important predictors of social engagement. The influence of socioeconomic position on social capital correlates with levels of education, household income, and type of occupation. Social capital, characterized by civic participation, social involvement, and social trust influences the built environment through the development of health enhancing or health neglecting neighborhoods. Communities with a strong sense of social capital tend to have more of an impact on the built environment in which they live by participating in activities and organizations that promote the development of their community. The built environment in turn affects health by providing community members with the availability resources to foster a healthy lifestyle. Evidence will be presented to illustrate how these potential linkages interact with one another to affect health status.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
• 3. Understand the pathway linking socioeconomic position,social capital,and the built environment to health.
  7. Identify the influence of socioeconomic position, social capital, and the built environment on health outcomes.
  11. Recognize the importance of community unity to lead to creating social and physical environments conducive to health.

Keywords: Health, Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.