Neighbourhood effects on health: a structural equation modelling approach

Stafford, M., Sacker, A., Ellaway, A., Cummins, S., Wiggins, D. and Macintyre, S. (2008) Neighbourhood effects on health: a structural equation modelling approach. Schmollers Jahrbuch: Zeitschrift fuer Wirtschafts: und Sozialwissenschaften, 128(1), pp. 109-120.

Abstract

Many studies document associations between area deprivation and health but the explanatory pathways linking deprivation to health are not clear. Potential neighbourhood determinants of health include socio-relational characteristics, the built environment and neighbourhood amenities. Using obesity as an example, we theorised a model of the potential causal pathways linking neighbourhood characteristics, through diet and physical activity, to obesity. A structural equation modelling approach was used to test the model empirically using health data from national surveys in England and Scotland. The advantages and limitations of structural equation modelling are discussed and we contend that the approach provides a useful way of combining data from several sources to test theorised explanatory models linking the neighbourhood to health.

• Item Type: Articles (Other)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ellaway, Dr Anne and Macintyre, Professor Sally
• Authors: Stafford, M., Sacker, A., Ellaway, A., Cummins, S., Wiggins, D., and Macintyre, S.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences
• Journal Name: Schmollers Jahrbuch: Zeitschrift fuer Wirtschafts: und Sozialwissenschaften
• Publisher: Duncker und Humblot GmbH
• ISSN: 1439-121X
• ISSN (Online): 1865-5742
• Published Online: 01 January 2008

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