Keywords

built environment, community-based participatory research, environmental justice, health inequities, housing, Photovoice, urban health

 

Authors

  1. Redwood, Yanique PhD, MPH
  2. Schulz, Amy J. PhD, MPH
  3. Israel, Barbara A. DrPH, MPH
  4. Yoshihama, Mieko PhD, ACSW, LMSW
  5. Wang, Caroline C. DrPH, MPH
  6. Kreuter, Marshall PhD

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that the built environment features found in many high-poverty urban areas contribute to negative health outcomes. Both built environment hazards and negative health outcomes disproportionately affect poor people of color. We used community-based participatory research and Photovoice in inner-city Atlanta to elicit African Americans' perspectives on their health priorities. The built environment emerged as a critical factor, impacting physical and mental health outcomes. We offer a conceptual model, informed by residents' perspectives, linking social, economic, and political processes to built environment and health inequities. Research, practice, and policy implications are discussed within an environmental justice framework.