Neighborhood Influences on Health

boy and girl riding bicycles

RAND Health examines whether neighborhood characteristics are associated with health conditions or concerns, such as asthma, obesity, physical inactivity, and health disparities. For example, researchers have studied neighborhood access to food, alcohol, and recreation areas, and identified opportunities to promote healthier lifestyles.

From the RAND Blog

Can “Fixing” Food Deserts Curb Obesity? The Jury Is Still Out — Apr 18, 2013

food truckWe know that the obesity epidemic is a serious public health concern. What's less clear, however, is how our surroundings fit into the equation.

What Happens When a 'Food Desert' Gets an Oasis? — Dec 13, 2012

lettuce grocery storeIn an era of budget constraints, policymakers confronting the U.S. obesity crisis need strong evidence to inform decisions about where and how to invest, writes Tamara Dubowitz.

Latest Research and Publications

Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors: What Impact Do Neighborhoods Have?

stethoscope, electrocardiogramNeighborhood socioeconomic status is significantly associated with coronary heart disease risk, according to a nationally-representative sample. The association is larger in men than women and in whites than minorities.

Is There a Robust Relationship Between Neighborhood Food Environment and Childhood Obesity?

candy binsEvidence suggests that the existence of more types of food outlets in an area, including supermarkets, is associated with a higher body mass index among youth.

Does Outdoor Exercise Equipment Make Parks More Attractive to Users?

Communities around the world are investing in outdoor exercise equipment in parks to increase physical activity, yet the impact of such improvements is unclear. Research shows that adding equipment to parks seems to attract more new park users and result in a higher expenditure of energy.
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Featured Research Brief

Cover: Do Neighborhood Economic Conditions Influence the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables?

Do Neighborhood Economic Conditions Influence the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables?

This fact sheet summarizes a study examining the variation of the intake of fruits and vegetables for blacks, whites, and Mexican Americans, in addition to the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic status and this intake.

Related Project

How Does Food Environment Impact Health Outcomes?

healthy groceriesThe PHRESH project examines how neighborhood characteristics—like access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats—could make residents more or less healthy.