Fear of crime and the environment: systematic review of UK qualitative evidence

BMC Public Health

Adrian Renton¹  Amanda Sowden³  Steven Cummins²  Hilary Thomson⁵  Kath Wright³  Stephen Clayton⁴  David Neary⁴  Margaret Whitehead⁴  Mark Petticrew²  Theo Lorenc² 

[1] Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, UK;Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK;Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK;Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK;MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Glasgow, UK

关键词: Qualitative research;    Environment design;    Review;    Fear;    Crime/psychology;   

Others  :  1162185
DOI  :  10.1186/1471-2458-13-496

 received in 2013-01-07, accepted in 2013-05-21,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

The fear of crime may have negative consequences for health and wellbeing. It is influenced by factors in the physical and social environment. This study aimed to review and synthesize qualitative evidence from the UK on fear of crime and the environment.

Methods

Eighteen databases were searched, including crime, health and social science databases. Qualitative studies conducted in the UK which presented data on fear of crime and the environment were included. Quality was assessed using Hawker et al.’s framework. Data were synthesized thematically.

Results

A total of 40 studies were included in the review. Several factors in the physical environment are perceived to impact on fear of crime, including visibility and signs of neglect. However, factors in the local social environment appear to be more important as drivers of fear of crime, including social networks and familiarity. Broader social factors appear to be of limited relevance. There is considerable evidence for limitations on physical activity as a result of fear of crime, but less for mental health impacts.

Conclusions

Fear of crime represents a complex set of responses to the environment. It may play a role in mediating environmental impacts on health and wellbeing.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Lorenc et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

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