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

Abstract #113185

Tracy Marie Hilliard, MPH¹, Deborah J. Bowen, PhD¹, and LaTonya Trotter, BA². (1) Cancer Prevention Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Research Center, M3-B232, PO Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, (206) 667-7699, tmhill@u.washington.edu, (2) Department of Health Services, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Box 357230, Seattle, WA 98195

Numerous biological, psychological, social, economic, and cultural factors may influence one's mental health. Current research suggests that mental health outcomes may differ across neighborhoods. Few studies have examined the possible influence of neighborhood specific characteristics on mental health. Participants were 582 individuals in a community-based dietary change study in the Greater Seattle Area. Information on individual socioeconomic status (SES) and mental health was obtained through surveys. Neighborhood SES was defined as median income and education levels, by 2000 Census tracts. Each person was assigned a neighborhood SES indicator based on the address provided in the survey. Nearly 83% of the sample was female. Approximately 84% had received at least some post-secondary education. Over 53% reported living in their neighborhood for more than 10 years. The SF-12 Health Survey was used to measure general health perceptions, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health. Nearly 60% reported having felt depressed at least “a little of the time” during the month before the survey. Approximately 38% responded having been limited in work or regular daily activities as a result of emotional problems. Over 72% reported an individual household income of at least $31,000. Average median neighborhood income for this sample was $45,000. Multivariate analyses to test the associations between individual's mental health and neighborhood SES when controlling for effects of individual SES will be presented. This investigation of the association between mental health and individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status has the potential to impact public health policies and interventions.

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