Neighborhood Influences on Health
In the 1980s, sociologists observed a strong connection between neighborhood deterioration and crime. A growing body of evidence links neighborhoods—that is, where a person lives—with health. RAND Health researchers are actively engaged in research to examine whether residential neighborhoods are associated with higher risks for certain health conditions, disparities in access to health care, and opportunities to promote health.
Profiles of Current Research
Highlights of Recent Studies
South Los Angeles Ban on Fast-Food Chains Misses the Mark
Examines the evidence for the ban on new fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles (LA), including the density of such restaurants in the area and the eating habits of South LA residents, and concludes that the data do not support the ban.
Children’s Health in Washington, D.C.: Access and Health Challenges Despite High Insurance Coverage Rates
Assesses children's health issues in Washington, D.C., including the health care delivery system and neighborhood health environments.
Constrained Choice: Why Are Some Women and Men Able to Create and Maintain Healthy Lifestyles, While Others Are Not?
This fact sheet describes a model of constrained choice that explains how policy decisions at the family, work, community, and government levels can have unintended consequences that ultimately produce differences in men’s and women’s health.
Do Neighborhood Economic Conditions Influence the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables?
Neighborhood socioeconomic status has a positive, statistically significant relationship with fruit and vegetable intake. Special efforts to increase the availability of fresh produce and other healthy foods in disadvantaged neighborhoods may help local residents improve their diets and would be worth pursuing.
How Neighborhoods Can Reduce the Risk of Obesity
This study found that neighborhoods with parks and multiple businesses tend to promote walking and other physical activity and that neighborhood cooperation is associated with lower rates of childhood obesity.
Using the "Getting To Outcomes™" Approach to Help Communities Prevent Underage Drinking
Underage drinking is a significant problem in the United States. Despite this fact, most communities have cultural norms, policies, and conditions that accept or promote underage drinking. To address this important problem, RAND researchers developed a guide to help communities plan, implement, and evaluate efforts to reduce and prevent underage drinking.
Related Websites
Working with Congress
RAND’s Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) furthers RAND’s mission to provide objective analysis and effective solutions by disseminating research results to Congress and federal agencies. OCR publishes a monthly electronic newsletter featuring current work on health policy. The RAND Health Congressional Newsletter is found at www.rand.org/congress/newsletters.html. Contact: Winfield Boerckel (winfield_boerckel@rand.org).
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