High neighborhood incarceration rate is associated with cardiometabolic disease in nonincarcerated black individuals

Abstract

PurposeTo examine the association between residence in neighborhoods with high rates of incarceration and cardiometabolic disease among nonincarcerated individuals. MethodsWe used data from two community cohort studies (n = 1368) in Atlanta, Georgia–META-Health and Predictive Health (2005–2012)—to assess the association between neighborhood incarceration rate and cardiometabolic disease, adjusting for individual-level and neighborhood-level factors. We also examined the interaction between race and neighborhood incarceration rate. ResultsIndividuals living in neighborhoods with high incarceration rates were more likely to have dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–2.09) and metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.07–2.59) in fully adjusted models. Interactions between race and neighborhood incarceration rate were significant; black individuals living in neighborhoods with high incarceration rates were more likely to have hypertension (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.01–2.49), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.12–2.80), and metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.09–2.99). ConclusionsBlack individuals living in neighborhoods with high rates of incarceration have worse cardiometabolic health profiles. Criminal justice reform may help reduce race-specific health disparities in the United States.