Neighbourhood inequalities in health and health-related behaviour: results of selective migration?

Health Place. 2007 Mar;13(1):123-37. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2005.09.013. Epub 2006 Jan 4.

Abstract

We hypothesised that neighbourhood inequalities in health and health-related behaviour are due to selective migration between neighbourhoods. Ten-year follow-up data of 25-74-year-old participants in a Dutch city (Eindhoven) showed an increased probability of both upward and downward migration in 25-34-year-old participants, and in single and divorced participants. Women and those highly educated showed an increased probability of upward migration from the most deprived neighbourhoods; lower educated showed an increased probability of moving downwards. Adjusted for these factors, health and health-related behaviour were weakly associated with migration. Over 10 years of follow-up, selective migration will hardly contribute to neighbourhood inequalities in health and health-related behaviour.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Health Behavior / ethnology*
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Econometric
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Population Dynamics / trends*
  • Poverty Areas*
  • Probability
  • Residence Characteristics / classification*
  • Social Mobility / economics
  • Social Mobility / trends*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urban Population / trends