Habitat and health: the role of environmental factors in the health of urban populations

'Crowded suburbs' and 'killer cities': a brief review of the relationship between urban environments and mental health

Most of the world's population now lives in cities, with 90% of Australians living in urban settlements of more than 10 000 people. Urban environments help shape population health, particularly among disadvantaged people, where poor health is concentrated. A growing body of research has focussed on the association between cities and mental health. Three hypotheses have been proposed to explain this association: psychosocial stressors; concentrated disadvantage; and social drift. It remains unclear, however, how the characteristics of urban environments are related to each other and to mental health, and what might be the pathways underpinning the experience of different individuals. With one in five Australian adults meeting the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder each year, investigation of the relationship between urban environments and mental health is urgently needed. This paper briefly reviews recent studies linking disadvantaged urban environments with mental health and proposes a hypothetical model to help guide future research.

Children's asthma experience and the importance of place

Asthma is increasing dramatically among poor, inner-city children. Fourteen children with, and twelve without, asthma were interviewed and observed to examine how children with asthma understand their illness and how the asthma experience shapes their sense of place. Quantitative data showed no difference in objective preferences for particular places, but qualitative analysis showed important differences. We identified eight place-related themes, and on seven there were clear differences between children with and without asthma--offering freedom, being aesthetically pleasing, being comfortable, nature of social contact, being isolating, being familiar and being safe. Children experienced asthma as an interruption in daily life that influences time spent outside, being active and being with friends. Children with asthma are more sensitive to places that are 'dirty' or contain asthma triggers, are less likely to explore new or people-free places and emphasize family interactions, while children without asthma emphasize friendships and are sensitive to neighborhood violence.