Gender matters: Differences in self-rated health among those living in racially segregated New York City neighborhoods

Investigation into the cause of racial health disparities typically focuses on individual level determinants, such as gender. For instance, women have poorer self-rated health compared to men. Neighborhood level determinants have also been reported, specifically the effect of racial segregation on self-rated health. Some studies have found health protective effects within certain minority communities, while others have associated high levels of isolation with worse health outcomes.  To date, studies have assessed individual level and neighborhood level determinants independently. We now report the effect of racially segregated neighborhoods on self-rated health as stratified by gender. 

Data from the 2010 New York City Community Health Survey and 2010 Census were utilized. Survey respondents included 7,777 adults (60% female) from 34 neighborhood. Self-rated health was a one-item measure with responses ranging from poor to excellent. Neighborhood segregation values were assigned to each cluster, utilizing the neighborhood racial typology (White (reference group), Black, Hispanic, and Mixed). Analysis included multilevel ordered logistic regression models.

Univariate, bivariate and within gender differences will be discussed. When stratified by gender, self-rated health was poorer for women living in racially mixed neighborhoods (Coeff= -0.34, p=0.05).  Additionally, women living in racially segregated neighborhoods of any type had poorer health than men (p<0.05). 

These findings suggest that neighborhood racial segregation have profoundly different impacts on self-rated health depending on the gender of the resident. Interventions and community-based organizations focused on women in racially segregated neighborhoods may improve these measures. Future research should attempt to identify the underlying factors creating these differences.