Impact of the Built Environment on Mental and Sexual Health: Policy Implications and Recommendations

Abstract

Research related to the intersection of the built environment and health has particularly flourished in the last decade. The authors highlight the theoretical and policy insights that have been made while also noting paucity in this literature as specifically related to mental and sexual health. Overall, the authors discuss policy implications of aspects of the built environment on both mental and sexual health behaviors and outcomes and suggest avenues for future research, program implementation, and policymaking for advancing health equity in these areas.

Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women

“…The built environment refers to the physical structures that people live in and around, as well as the neighborhood environment [ 88 ]. " Riskscapes " describe geographic areas with low incomes and an excess of poor land use, neighborhood stressors, and limited access to healthcare resources or healthy land uses such as parks and open spaces [ 88 ].…”

“…The built environment refers to the physical structures that people live in and around, as well as the neighborhood environment [ 88 ]. " Riskscapes " describe geographic areas with low incomes and an excess of poor land use, neighborhood stressors, and limited access to healthcare resources or healthy land uses such as parks and open spaces [ 88 ]. Research into the effect of the built environment has found that adolescent residents of riskscapes have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , unprotected sexual activities, and unintended pregnancies [ 88 ].…”

“…Riskscapes " describe geographic areas with low incomes and an excess of poor land use, neighborhood stressors, and limited access to healthcare resources or healthy land uses such as parks and open spaces [ 88 ]. Research into the effect of the built environment has found that adolescent residents of riskscapes have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , unprotected sexual activities, and unintended pregnancies [ 88 ]. Additionally, women in these areas are at increased risk for sexual assault [ 88 ].…”

“…Research into the effect of the built environment has found that adolescent residents of riskscapes have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , unprotected sexual activities, and unintended pregnancies [ 88 ]. Additionally, women in these areas are at increased risk for sexual assault [ 88 ]. Riskscapes may also be associated with increased stress and fatigue among women for these reasons, and any environmental condition that induces stress or fatigue can lower sexual desire [ 1 ].…”

“…In addition, preoperative serum T levels have been shown to correlate with post-RP erectile function [ 88 ]. Because of this, there has been some interest in T replacement in men with ED and PCa.…”