Abstract:
A multilevel, geo-spatial study was conducted with the aim of investigating the spatial relationship between neighbourhood features and mental health outcomes of secondary students residing in Auckland. These data were used to estimate the effects that physical attributes of the environment have on youth mental health, irrespective of demographic variables and neighbourhood deprivation. Youth data was collected from the Youth’12 survey, a nationally representative sample of 8,500 secondary school students in New Zealand. External neighbourhood accessibility measures were provided by Massey University. A spatially weighted regression model was carried out to estimate the effects of perceived neighbourhood features and externally measured neighbourhood features on youth mental health outcomes. The multilevel analysis controlled for clustering of students within neighbourhoods, and for demographic characteristics that might confound the relationship between neighbourhoods and health. Health outcomes were measured by the well-validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), The World Health Organisation Wellbeing measure (WHO-5) and the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale short form (RADS-SF). Findings indicate that there is spatial autocorrelation of neighbourhood features and mental health outcomes among youth. This highlights the importance of using spatially weighted techniques when dealing with geo-spatial data. The results show that neighbourhood features as perceived by youth, such as parks and other recreational facilities may benefit youth mental health. Lack of structures such as adequate street lights and public transport may negatively affect youth mental health outcomes. External measurements of neighbourhood accessibility (neighbourhood destination accessibility and connectivity) also proved to be significantly associated with youth mental health outcomes. Pathways thought to be underlying these effects include stress caused by neighbourhood features, lack of accessibility and ability to socialise with others. This information may be useful when considering further development of public space, housing construction, public transport routes and incorporation of green space into urban areas.