High neighborhood incarceration rate is associated with cardiometabolic disease in nonincarcerated black individuals

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the association between residence in neighborhoods with high rates of incarceration and cardiometabolic disease among nonincarcerated individuals.

Methods: We used data from two community cohort studies (n = 1368) in Atlanta, Georgia-META-Health and Predictive Health (2005-2012)-to assess the association between neighborhood incarceration rate and cardiometabolic disease, adjusting for individual-level and neighborhood-level factors. We also examined the interaction between race and neighborhood incarceration rate.

Results: Individuals living in neighborhoods with high incarceration rates were more likely to have dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-2.09) and metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.07-2.59) in fully adjusted models. Interactions between race and neighborhood incarceration rate were significant; black individuals living in neighborhoods with high incarceration rates were more likely to have hypertension (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.01-2.49), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.12-2.80), and metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.09-2.99).

Conclusions: Black individuals living in neighborhoods with high rates of incarceration have worse cardiometabolic health profiles. Criminal justice reform may help reduce race-specific health disparities in the United States.

Keywords: Cardiovascular health; Mass incarceration; Racial disparities.