Neighborhood Social Cohesion and the Health of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Older Adults

Yeonjung Jane Lee, Kathryn L. Braun, Yan Yan Wu, Seunghye Hong, Ernest Gonzales, Yi Wang, Mohammad Didar Hossain, Tyran M. Terada, Colette V. Browne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) older adults experience various social and health challenges. There is a growing literature linking neighborhood conditions with health, yet few have focused on NHPI older adults. This study examines associations between neighborhood social cohesion and health outcomes (i.e., self-rated health, psychological distress, and memory) in this population. Data from the 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey (n=1,045 with respondents aged 50+) were analyzed with logistic regression models. The level of neighborhood social cohesion was determined by responses to items on perceptions of mutual help, dependability, trust, and close relationships within the neighborhood. Higher perceived neighborhood social cohesion was associated with lower odds of having serious psychological distress or memory problems. There was no statistical association of social cohesion with self-rated health. Socially cohesive neighborhoods are important to the health of NHPI. We discuss methods to improve neighborhood social cohesion as a way to promote health equity for NHPI older adults in the United States (U.S.).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3-23
Number of pages21
JournalJournal of Gerontological Social Work
Volume65
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Neighborhoods
  • communities
  • health disparities
  • indigenous population issues
  • social support

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

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