Do Neighborhood Characteristics Contribute to Anxiety? A National Study of 12 to 17-Year-Olds

Background: Anxiety is a mental health issue affecting many adolescents in the United States. Limited research on neighborhood characteristics and adolescent anxiety is available. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between adolescent anxiety and neighborhood characteristics in a national sample. Methods: A secondary data analysis of the 2016 National Survey on Children’s Health was conducted for this study. Univariate analyses were conducted to determine associations between anxiety and demographic characteristics and neighborhood characteristics. Significant items from the univariate analyses were then retained and included in a final multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Results of the final model indicated that being female and white increased the risk of adolescent anxiety. Findings from this study also revealed that neighborhood characteristics significantly predicted adolescent anxiety. Discussion: Greater than one in ten adolescents experienced anxiety, which indicates additional prevention and intervention programs are needed to address this issue. Translation to Health Education Practice: Improving neighborhood conditions and enhancing community support are two methods that may prevent and reduce adolescent anxiety. Specific strategies for prevention and intervention are offered.