Perceived social enviornment [sic] and self-reported health status among African American and African Caribbean immigrants in the U.S.

Immigrants of African descent experience better health outcomes than African Americans but this health advantage dissipates over time and in succeeding generations. Few studies have investigated the influence of environmental factors on their declining health. This study examined the relationship between individual characteristics, neighborhood features and exposure to the U.S. social contexts on self-reported physical and mental health status among African American and African Caribbean adults who reside in “predominantly” African American and African Caribbean neighborhoods in the U.S. The conceptual framework was drawn from several models, race and health model, eco-social theory, and environmental stress exposure – disease framework, as well as theories specific to immigrant populations. Secondary data analysis using bivariate and logistic regression analysis of the 2001-2003 National Survey of American Life dataset was conducted with the sample comprised of African Americans (2,140) and African Caribbeans (687). Features of the neighborhood environment (higher social cohesion, neighborhood satisfaction, and frequent drug activity), immigrant status (age at migration and years lived in the U.S.) were associated with increased odds of fair or poor mental health. Nativity and number of years lived in the neighborhood were associated with iii increased odds of fair/poor mental health. Poorer perceptions of physical health were associated with increased exposure to the U.S. social context, based on number of years lived in the U.S. and by generation. Second and higher generation immigrants had increased odds of fair or poor physical health than first generation when controlling for age, gender, and SES, but not when physical and mental co-morbidities were added to control variables. African Caribbean immigrants and African Americans reported no significant differences in their overall self-rated mental and physical health status suggesting convergence of their health status mediated by exposure to similarly racially constituted neighborhoods and the U.S. social contexts.Ph. D.Includes bibliographical referencesIncludes vitaby Sharese N. Porte