Environmental Determinants of Urban Mental Health: a Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: More than half of the global population currently lives in cities; by 2050, this rate is expected to increase to 68 %. The worldwide process of rapid urbanization is associated with significant environmental, economic and social changes, particularly in public health. Results: This review is based on articles published over the last two decades and provides an overview of urban environment-related risk factors for mental health and well-being of citizens. The studies reviewed give evidence of adverse health effects of environmental exposures to air, light, and noise pollution in the cities. The main consequences of their impact on mental health include psychological distress, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, an increased risk of manifestation and higher severity of mental disorders, all mediated by endocrine and neurophysiological disorders and oxidative stress. Conclusion: The analysis and assessment of the differential significance of various environmental conditions of the urban environment require consideration of other factors, including social, household, genetic, individual psychological and physiological characteristics. Our findings indicate the importance of further research on the influence of urban environment on mental health, the results of which can be implemented in various hygiene practices and urban planning programs.