Association between education and self-assessment of the neighborhood environment

Abstract

Abstract Background DEpICT is an ongoing observational, cross-sectional study in community-dwellers in Limassol, Cyprus aiming to combine individual-level and community-level risk factors to decode their effect on arterial health (stiffness) as measured with pulse wave velocity (PWV). Methods Participants are >40 years who have been living in the same address for ≥5 years. They provide personal information on quality of life and mental health (SF-12 and GHQ-12), physical activity (IPAQ), adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and sociodemographic. Anthropometric characteristics are measured on site, as well as arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral PWV) and central blood pressure. Neighborhood is self-assessed using the “Place Standard” Tool, as well as with an independent neighborhood audit using the newly-developed CyNoTes tool. Results Out of the first 176 participants (53% male), 45% had a college/university degree with a further 19% having graduate degrees, while the vast majority (92%) reported home ownership. Education was not associated with net family income (p = 0.3) nor home-ownership (p = 0.28). Out of the 14 constructs in Place standard, “Public transport” and “Participation and sense of control” were rated lowest (3.1 ± 1.9 and 3.1 ± 1.8) and “Identity and sense of belonging” and “Safety” highest (4.1 ± 1.9 and 4.5 ± 1.8). Education was not associated with any construct in “Place” or with total neighbourhood score. Conclusions Participants rate the social and safety aspects of their neighbourhood higher than the build aspects. Educational attainment may not be a good proxy for neighbourhood socioeconomic assessment in Cyprus, given the high rates of university graduates. Key messages Participants express the need for more public engagement in community decision-making; sense of lacking control may affect individual health. Educational attainment is not a good proxy for neighborhood socioeconomic assessment in the cultural context of Cyprus.