Abstract
Background
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence is high, but not well-understood,
among women living in urban, impoverished areas. Although previous studies have established
social support as an important factor in PTSD development and maintenance, little
is known about how perceptions of neighborhood are linked to PTSD. This study examined
the relationship between PTSD and social network and neighborhood factors among women
with a low socioeconomic status.
Methods
We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from a human immunodeficiency virus/sexually
transmitted infection peer network study in Baltimore, Maryland (n = 438). We used bivariate analyses to examine the associations between PTSD and social
network characteristics and time in neighborhood and satisfaction. We then constructed
multivariable regression models that controlled for the following with PTSD: homelessness,
cocaine/heroin use, and unemployment.
Main Findings
Overall, 30% of women had PTSD symptom severity consistent with a clinical diagnosis.
In the multivariable model, dissatisfaction with neighborhood block (odds ratio [OR],
1.80; p = .03) and living in one's neighborhood for more than 5 years (OR, 1.69; p = .03) were associated with PTSD. Social network factors that were significantly
associated with PTSD included a higher number of network members in conflict with
the participant (OR, 1.28; p = .02), presence of a network member who would let the participant stay with them
(OR, 0.4; p = .004), and the number of network members with whom the participant socialized (OR,
0.6; p = .04).
Conclusions
In this sample of impoverished urban women with a high prevalence of PTSD, duration
of residency, satisfaction with neighborhood, and network characteristics were found
to be strongly associated with PTSD symptom severity.
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Biography
Kriti M. Jain, MSPH, PhD, is a social scientist whose work focuses on linkage to human immunodeficiency virus care and treatment, psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social determinants of health.
Biography
Melissa Davey-Rothwell, MPH, PhD, is an Associate Scientist interested in the relationship between social norms and health behaviors. Her research explores networks among populations at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections. She has also developed, tested, and disseminated HIV prevention interventions.
Biography
Norah L. Crossnohere, MHS, is a scientist whose work centers on promoting patient- and community-driven research agendas. She also studies stated preference methods, mental health, and research ethics.
Biography
Carl A. Latkin, MA, PhD, is a professor whose work has advanced human immunodeficiency virus prevention/care among disadvantaged populations, domestic and international analysis approaches to behavior change, and neighborhood factors and health behaviors. His work uses qualitative and quantitative methods, including social networking.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 23, 2018
Accepted:
February 12,
2018
Received in revised form:
January 25,
2018
Received:
August 16,
2017
Footnotes
Funding Statement: This project was supported by the National Institute on Mental Health (grants R01 MH066810 and K01MH096611); Johns Hopkins University Center for AIDS Research (1P30AI094189); and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (T32 A1050056-12).
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc.
