UC Irvine

ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATIONAssessing Neighborhood Resources and Lived Experiences a Promising Way to Increase Civic Engagement for Environmental Justice Among Hispanic/Latino Immigrant Ethnic Enclaves

The objective of this multi-methods study is to understand lived experiences and civic engagement among Hispanic/Latino constituents overburdened by environmental hazards. Specific aim 1, I evaluated the association between Hispanic/Latino immigrant concentration and complex emissions (PM2.5, O3, and NO2) among California census tracts and the role of neighborhood socio cultural institutions (SCIs) in moderating this association. I measured the construct of Hispanic/Latino immigrant concentration, using the Hispanic/Latino Immigrant Enclave Index and air pollution, applying the exposure disease stress model for environmental health disparities. California census tracts with a higher proportion of immigrant Hispanic/Latino residents experienced higher levels of PM2.5 and NO2 and lower levels of O3. Living in census tracts with a higher percentage of Hispanic-serving SCIs and higher concentration of immigrant Hispanic/Latino residents was associated with higher levels of NO2 compared to census tracts with low percentage of Hispanic-serving SCIs and proportion of Hispanic/Latino residents accounting for average age, percentage female, population density, and percentage urban. Specific aim 2 through interviews, study assessed factors that facilitate or hinder participants to engage in activities that address environmental justice among Hispanic/Latino Legacy LA constituents. I conducted key informant interviews with 21 constituents from Legacy LA that elucidated the complexities of civic engagement focused on addressing air pollution. Study participants discussed personal factors, interpersonal relationships, organizational support and community-based resources that facilitated or hindered their engagement. Participants recommended the need to continue educating residents on air pollution, engaging in research projects focused on asthma and premature deaths to engage constituents on activities that advocate lower emissions. Specific aim 3 explored lived experiences of Legacy LA constituents living in Boyle Heights, an overburdened community with multiple sources of polluters through 3 focus groups. Focus group discussions elucidated health and social justice challenges experienced by constituents. Participants discussed perceptions of air quality, management of health complications, types of resources needed to support community residents and social conditions they would like elected officials to address including access to safe green spaces. Study findings may help address community and organizational barriers to improve coordination, communication and lead to meaningful engagement in the development of community-based policies.