New Evidence Of The Nexus Between Neighborhood Violence, Perceptions Of Danger, And Child Health

Neighborhood characteristics have been associated with various facets of children's health. This study explored whether adverse neighborhood conditions-particularly violence exposure and perceptions of danger-were associated with child health status and health risks across four dimensions: health difficulties (for example, headaches, stomachaches, or breathing problems), chronic physical conditions, developmental disorders, and mental health conditions. Data were derived from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health, a survey of a cross-sectional weighted probability sample of US children ages 0-17. The findings indicate that neighborhood violence exposure and perceptions of danger yielded the strongest associations with the studied health dimensions and were especially relevant to the occurrence and accumulation of intersecting health problems across dimensions. The findings underscore the need for multiple sectors and agencies to collectively invest in public safety and community violence prevention as a means of promoting health among children.