Unhealthy environments are associated with adverse mental health and psychological distress: Cross-sectional evidence from nationally representative data in New Zealand

• Published in: Preventive medicine Vol. 145; p. 106416
• Main Authors: Hobbs, M., Kingham, S., Wiki, J., Marek, L., Campbell, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-04-2021
• Subjects: Environment; Geospatial; Mental health; New Zealand; Psychological distress; New Zealand; Environment; Geospatial; Psychological distress; Mental health
• ISSN: 0091-7435; 1096-0260
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106416

This study combines data on the location of health-constraining ‘bads’ (i: fast-food outlets, ii: takeaway outlets, iii: dairy outlets and convenience stores, iv: alcohol outlets, and v: gaming venues) and health-promoting ‘goods’ (i: green spaces, ii: blue spaces, iii: physical activity facilities, and iv: fruit and vegetable outlets) into a nationwide Healthy Living Index. This was applied to pooled (2015/16–2017/18) nationally representative New Zealand Health Survey data, with mental health conditions (depression, bipolar, and anxiety) and psychological distress as population-level outcomes. Mental health was associated with proximity to environmental ‘goods’ and ‘bads’. Compared to those individuals who reside within the unhealthiest environments, there was a steady reduction in the odds of adverse mental health outcomes and psychological distress as the environment became more health-promoting.
•The healthy living index (HLI) was associated with mental health.•A better environment was associated with reduced psychological distress.•A better environment was associated with reduced mental health conditions.•The environment is an important contextual determinant.