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.
Recommended Citation
Ampofo, Solomon Twum, "ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION AND ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN OMAHA, NE" (2024). Geography and Geology Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity. 1.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/geoggeolstudent/1
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