Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10145176 | Energy Research & Social Science | 2019 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
This study examines the effects of a novel construct - energy insecurity - on adverse health in a community-based sample in New York City. Using a 2015 cross-sectional study of 2,494 households in Washington Heights, we described the socio-demographic characteristics of energy insecure households and examined the association between energy insecurity and health outcomes using logistic regression models. Twenty-seven percent of participants were energy insecure. Racial/ethnic minorities, households with children, long-term neighborhood residents, and those with poor housing conditions were more likely to be energy insecure; meanwhile, middle income households were not fully protect against energy insecurity. Energy insecurity was significantly associated with poor respiratory, mental health, and sleep outcomes; it was not associated with metabolic disorders, accidents, or neighborhood violence and cohesion. This study indicates that energy insecurity may explain some existing respiratory and mental health-related disparities in vulnerable populations. More research on energy insecurity is needed along with refinement of its measurement.
Keywords
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Energy
Energy (General)
Authors
Diana Hernández, Eva Siegel,