Date of Award

11-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geography and Geology

First Advisor

Dr. Sarah Nelson

Abstract

Assessing the Relationship Between Residential Segregation and Access to Mental Health Services in Omaha, Ne

Equitable healthcare access is a key determinant of a population’s overall health. Despite numerous U.S. policies aimed at improving accessibility, the legacy of racial segregation has skewed these efforts, perpetuating disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes in many cities, including Omaha, Nebraska. These inequities are particularly evident in mental health, where racial minorities, especially Black Americans, face disproportionately high rates of mental illness. Since mental health problems exacerbate chronic disease risks, enhancing mental healthcare access in underserved minority neighborhoods is essential for improving both mental and general health outcomes among these populations. This study employed geospatial methods to examine the relationships between residential segregation, mental health distress, and access to mental health services in Omaha, Nebraska. Using the Dissimilarity Index to measure segregation and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to assess its connection to mental health distress, the research also utilized the Three-Step Floating Catchment Area (3SFCA) method to map spatial accessibility to mental healthcare. Results highlighted severe disparities in predominantly Black neighborhoods in Northeast Omaha, where segregation, mental health status, and access to services were notably poor. While no direct link between segregation and mental health distress was found, the adjusted GWR model revealed a strong indirect relationship mediated by socioeconomic factors. The findings underscore the importance of spatial analysis in addressing health disparities and guiding equitable healthcare planning.

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