Social
Demographic Correlates of Neighborhood Perception Among Mothers of Young Children in Philadelphia, PA Saiido Noor* Saiido Noor Stephanie Mayne
The social-ecological model elucidates the significance of our environment as pivotal factors influencing health. Grasping the underlying mechanics is crucial for our understanding of how social determinants affect health. This study posits that parents of young children with lower educational attainment and household incomes or elevated stress levels are likely to report worse perceptions of neighborhood collective efficacy and safety. These perceptions may in turn negatively impact pediatric healthcare access and child and family well-being. This cross-sectional study employed survey data gathered from October 2019 to August 2020, focusing on mothers or primary female caregivers of children aged 2–4 years and receiving primary care at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The surveys documented sociodemographic attributes, stress levels, and perceptions regarding neighborhood safety and collective efficacy using validated scales. The analyses encompassed chi-square tests and linear regression models. The cohort comprised of 275 caregivers, primarily covered by Medicaid, aged 18 to 45. 50% of caretakers identified as Black, 30% as Hispanic, and 20% as White or belonging to other racial categories. The findings indicated a significant association between lower household income (below $25,000) and reduced educational attainment (highschool or less) with diminished perceptions of neighborhood safety and collective efficacy (p<0.05). Elevated stress levels exhibited an inverse relationship with both outcomes. The results highlight the profound influence of sociodemographic variables and stress on the perceptions of neighborhoods held by mothers of young children. Comprehending these perceptions is crucial for assessing their impact on pediatric healthcare accessibility and outcomes, in addition to formulating targeted, community-based interventions aimed at improving neighborhood conditions and tackling health disparities.