Physical function as a moderator of associations between neighbourhood environments and neighbourhood (dis)satisfaction in older adults

Abstract

TPS 701: Spatial determinants of population health, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: As neighbourhood satisfaction has been positively associated with health or health-related outcomes such as mental health, self-efficacy and physical activity, it’s imperative to develop the currently limited understanding of neighbourhood environment influences on neighbourhood satisfaction. This study examined associations between objectively-measured environmental attributes and neighbourhood (dis)satisfaction and the moderating effect of physical function in Hong Kong and Ghent (Belgium) older adults. Methods: Participants were older adults from comparable epidemiological studies conducted in Hong Kong and Ghent. Participants were recruited from neighbourhoods stratified by socio-economic status and walkability. Environmental characteristics of street-network buffers around participants’ homes were quantified by Geographic Information Systems. Comparable measures of neighbourhood satisfaction, socio-demographics and physical function (objective) were used. Generalised Additive Mixed Models were used to determine associations between neighbourhood environment characteristics and neighbourhood satisfaction as well as moderating effects of physical function and city. Results: Linear or curvilinear negative associations were observed between neighbourhood dissatisfaction and objectively-assessed density of services, recreational facilities, public transport stops and number of parks (1km buffers). Distance to the nearest park and public transport stop were positively linearly related to neighbourhood dissatisfaction, while intersection density and number of parks within 400m residential buffers were negatively related to neighbourhood dissatisfaction. No significant associations were observed with park area and dwelling density. Most environmental attributes had similar associations across the two study sites, with the exception of recreational facilities and distance to the nearest public transport stop. Physical functionality did not moderate any of these associations. Conclusions: Objectively-assessed neighbourhood environmental characteristics are important contributors to older adults’ satisfaction with their residential neighbourhoods irrespective of physical functionality levels. Most of these effects seem to be generalisable across very different geographical and cultural contexts.