Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association between Fear of Crime and Higher Body Mass Index

Abstract

Purpose.

To investigate pathways in the association between fear of crime and obesity.

Design.

A cross-sectional survey was administered among residents aged 18 years and older across all Census tracts.

Setting.

Genesee County, Michigan.

Subjects.

A total of 3192 residents.

Measures.

Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by using the respondents' reported height and weight. Composite fear-of-crime and depressive symptoms scores were calculated by using several survey items.

Analysis.

Path analysis examined the effects of fear of crime on BMI.

Results.

Fear of crime was associated with higher BMI. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between fear of crime and BMI (p < .001). Moderate exercise mediated the association between depressive symptoms and BMI (p < .001).

Conclusion.

Fear of crime was associated with depressive symptoms, which in turn were associated with reduced exercise and subsequently higher BMI.

Keywords

Fear of Crime Depressive Symptoms Exercise Body Mass Index Prevention Research Manuscript format: brief Research purpose: modeling/relationship testing Study design: nonexperimental Outcome measure: biometric Setting: local community Health focus: weight control,fitness/physical activity Strategy: skill building/behavior change Target population age: adults,seniors Target population circumstances: education/income level and race/ethnicity

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