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Neighborhood Factors and Adolescent Depression: A National Representative Study

Topalian, Alique G
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7293-4759
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1593170405001069

Abstract Details

2020, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education.
This dissertation consists of two studies. Study one examined whether lifetime depression among adolescents differed based on sex, race, and structural neighborhood factors. Study two examined whether adolescent lifetime depression differed based on sex, race, and neighborhood connectedness factors. Study One Abstract Adolescent depression is growing in prevalence within the United States. The present study investigated whether depression differed based on structural neighborhood factors among a national sample of adolescents aged 12-17 years old. Data from the 2017 National Children’s Health Survey was analyzed in this study. Parents/guardians reported on the health and structural neighborhood factors of their child (n = 8,909). Univariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results indicated that 9.4% of adolescents had ever experienced depression (lifetime depression). Findings from the final multivariable logistic regression model revealed that those at highest risk for lifetime depression were those who were female, those whose neighborhood did not have a recreation center/community center/boys’ and girls’ club, those whose neighborhood had litter/garbage on the street or sidewalk, and those whose neighborhood had vandalism such as broken windows or graffiti. These findings indicate that structural neighborhood factors can play a significant role in adolescent depression. Public health educators, mental health professionals, and prevention specialists should consider these findings when developing and implementing efforts to prevent and address adolescent depression. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effect of community interventions aimed at improving the structural aspects of neighborhoods on adolescent depression. Study Two Abstract Adolescent depression is a significant public health problem. The present study investigated whether depression differed based on neighborhood connectedness factors among a national sample of adolescents aged 12-17 years old. Data from the 2017 National Children’s Health Survey was analyzed in this study. Parents/guardians reported on the health and neighborhood connectedness factors of their child (n = 8,909). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results indicated that 9.4% of adolescents had ever experienced depression. Findings from the final multivariable regression model revealed that adolescents at highest risk for depression were those who were female, those who did not feel safe at school and those who did not feel that people in their neighborhood help each other or watch out for each other’s children. These findings indicate that neighborhood connectedness can play a significant role in adolescent depression. Community leaders and public health professionals should consider these findings when developing and implementing efforts to prevent and address adolescent depression. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of programs focused on building neighborhood connections on youth mental health outcomes.
Keith King, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Ashley Merianos, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Rebecca Vidourek, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
74 p.
Health Education
Adolescent; Depression; Neighborhood; Structural; Community; Connection

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Topalian, A. G. (2020). Neighborhood Factors and Adolescent Depression: A National Representative Study [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1593170405001069

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Topalian, Alique. Neighborhood Factors and Adolescent Depression: A National Representative Study. 2020. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1593170405001069.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Topalian, Alique. "Neighborhood Factors and Adolescent Depression: A National Representative Study." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1593170405001069

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1593170405001069
232
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.