Cunningham-Myrie, C., Theall, K., Yonger, N., et al. (2015). Associations between neighborhood effects and physical activity, obesity, and diabetes: The Jamaica
Health and Lifestyle Survey, 2008. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 68(9): 970-978.
Why was the study done? Was there a clear explanation of the purpose of the study and, if so, what was it?
This study was conducted in order to provide insight into the effect of "neighborhood disorder, perceived neighborhood safety," and the existence of ready access to recreational facilities on the incidence of three variables -- physical activity, obesity and Type 2 diabetes (p. 970). Thus, there was a clear indication and explanation of the purpose of the study and what it entailed. Essentially, this study set out to show whether there was a relationship between neighborhood safety (or the perception of safety) and physical activity among the inhabitants of that community (or lack thereof, which would result in obesity and diabetes).
Question 2:
What is the sample size? Were there enough people in the study to establish that the findings did not occur by chance?
The sample size used in this study included 2,848 participants. This is a suitable size for a sample and ensures that the findings...
If the sample size had been something like only a dozen or so participants, the results could be seriously questioned with regard to validity, but this sample size is sufficient to cover an entire region in question (in this case, a Jamaican neighborhood) and gather strong evidence that will support the conclusion made from an analysis of the findings through the method utilized by the researchers.
Question 3:
How was the data analyzed? What statistics were used to determine if the purpose of the study was achieved?
The data was analyzed using multilevel analysis of the responses of the 2,848 participants. Interviews were conducted and the "effects" of neighborhood on the variables was assessed "based on aggregate interviewer responses to systematic social observation questions" (p. 970). The type of model that was used to analyze this data was a mixed-effect logistic regression type, which was designed so as to be able to identify the relationship between the indicators of the neighborhood and the existence of Type 2 diabetes and the existence of physical activity and/or obesity in those same individuals within the neighborhood.
The statistics used to determine if the purpose of the study was achieved were that assessment of…
