This study aims to investigate the associations between urban living environments – including the physical (built and natural) and social environments – and the incidence of mental health disorders. This study will use UK biobank data to (1) conduct an exposome-wide association study to comprehensively analyze a number of urban environmental variables for associations with mental health disorders; (2) validate the combined effects of the key urban living environmental factors on mental health disorders; (3) explore potential pathways (e.g., mediation or moderation variables) of the associations and whether the effects of urban living environmental factors vary across subgroups of age, gender and socioeconomic status.
Research question: What is the relationship between urban living environment (single indicators and combinations of social and physical environments) and common mental health problems?
Scientific rationale: Urban living environments, comprising natural, built, and social components, are key determinants of mental health. As over half of the global population lives in urban areas, various stressors like air pollution, noise, poor housing, lack of green space can increase risks for mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Recent theoretical models related to urban mental health suggest that combinations of physical and social environments influence mental health via biological and behavioural pathways. However, few studies have assessed the associations between a large number of urban living (built, natural and social) environmental indicators and mental disorders. In particular, the combined effects of physical and social environmental factors have not been validated enough in large-sample longitudinal designs. Therefore, investigating the impact and predictive effects of urban living environments on mental health will provide important insights for urban planning and mental health interventions.
