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Journal article
Translating caregiver-identified neighborhood features into quantitative variables for statistical analyses of effects on child health
Annals of epidemiology, v 121, 110149
Sep 2026
PMID: 42288206
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Abstract
Neighborhoods are hypothesized to affect weight-related outcomes in part through their influence on household food choices, but quantitative study findings have been mixed. This may reflect mismatch between variables analyzed and residents' experiences. Our objective was to identify quantitative variables corresponding to neighborhood features caregivers of young children find important for families' food choices.
In 9 focus groups in English and Spanish among low-income caregivers (n=51) of young children aged <5 years in Philadelphia, PA, participants identified features relevant for their families' food choices. An iterative, qualitative approach incorporating community member input was used to translate caregiver-identified features into quantitative, area-level variables for linkage with pediatric patient addresses.
Caregivers identified 17 features related to food retail (8 features; e.g., healthy food availability, cost), logistical concerns (4 features; e.g., transportation), social environment (3 features; e.g., safety), and structural factors (2 features; gentrification, economic disinvestment). Highly aligned quantitative variables were identified for 5 features; medium/low for 7; and no aligning variables for 5. Variable sources included commercial and public databases, and prior population-based surveys.
Incorporating qualitative approaches, including explicitly assessing alignment of quantitative analyses with residents' experiences, may help improve conceptual clarity and usefulness of epidemiological neighborhoods research.
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Details
- Title
- Translating caregiver-identified neighborhood features into quantitative variables for statistical analyses of effects on child health
- Creators
- Félice Lê-Scherban (Corresponding Author) - Drexel UniversityJayla Norman - Drexel UniversityVictoria Ryan - Drexel UniversityMaggie Beverly - Drexel UniversityNatalie M Rodrigues - Drexel UniversityMatthew Jannetti - Drexel UniversityKelly A Courts - Drexel UniversityZachary Fusfeld - Drexel UniversityAmy Carroll-Scott - Drexel UniversityStephanie L Mayne - Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaHans Kersten - St. Christopher's Hospital for ChildrenJana A Hirsch - Drexel UniversitySteven Melly - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Annals of epidemiology, v 121, 110149
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- NIDDK: R01DK133389
Research reported in this publication was supported by NIDDK under Award #R01DK133389. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the NIH.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Pediatrics; Urban Health Collaborative; Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Community Health and Prevention
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001805201700001
- Other Identifier
- 991022191394104721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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Source: SDGs in the Output
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health