People and Places: using geo-linked survey data to investigate the role of neighbourhoods in adolescent health and wellbeing
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: There is a lack of consensus around the possible influence of the neighbourhood for adolescent health. Previous studies have generated mixed results and much of the literature lacks careful consideration around spatial measures and definitions of the neighbourhood. This thesis aims to examine the relationships between features of the neighbourhood environment, specifically greenspaces, crime and high streets, and physical activity and social isolation in adolescence through secondary data analysis of the Millennium Cohort Study. This thesis uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine neighbourhood features and adolescent health outcomes from a UK perspective. This thesis benefits from the use of geo-linked survey data, including proximity measures that apply network analysis that considers real-world street connectivity. Methods utilised for statistical analysis include linear regression, zero-inflated Poisson regression and multilevel models. This thesis consists of three empirical studies. Firstly, prospective associations between subjective neighbourhood safety and objective crime rates, linked via participant geographical identifiers, and subsequent physical activity are examined. Results indicate that feeling unsafe in the neighbourhood, IMD crime and violent crime are barriers to physical activity participation in adolescents.Secondly, the thesis investigates the impact of proximity to greenspaces on physical activity at age 14, using participant postcode data linked to closest greenspace access points, utilising network distance. Results suggest that proximity to greenspaces alone is not associated with physical activity in this cohort. Thirdly, longitudinal associations between proximity to high streets and social isolation outcomes are investigated. Results revealed no relationship between proximity to high streets and social isolation indicators, suggesting that high streets may either not significantly influence adolescent social engagement or that young people are willing to travel greater distances. Overall, this thesis suggests that neighbourhoods do influence adolescent health but the effects are nuanced and often depend on neighbourhood measures.
Author: Constable Fernandez, Charlotte
Language: English
Topic: Urban Green Space and Health
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7023758198