Neighborhood Serious Crimes and the Impact on Stress and Depression Among Residents of North Philadelphia in the US State of Pennsylvania.

Abstract

This study explores the impact of serious neighborhood crime on levels of stress and prevalence of depression. The target population was adults residing in affected communities, specifically within North Philadelphia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between serious crimes in North Philadelphia and stress/depression among community residents. All participants (n = 577) resided within one of ten zip codes in North Philadelphia. Individual exposure to serious neighborhood crime over four years (2016-2019) was quantified. Levels of stress and prevalence of depression served as outcome measures of mental health. The study results did not support an association between exposure to neighborhood crime and stress/depression as measured by validated instruments. Resilience was identified to have a positive and statistically significant independent impact on both stress (p < 0.0001) and depression (p < 0.0001), serving as a mediator in the association between crime exposure and levels of stress and prevalence of depression. Results from this study can be used as a framework in targeting the needs of Philadelphia residents and improving their overall stress and depression.