Unhealthy environments are associated with adverse mental health and psychological distress: Cross-sectional evidence from nationally representative data in New Zealand

Abstract

This study combines data on the location of health-constraining ‘bads’ (i: fast-food outlets, ii: takeaway outlets, iii: dairy outlets and convenience stores, iv: alcohol outlets, and v: gaming venues) and health-promoting ‘goods’ (i: green spaces, ii: blue spaces, iii: physical activity facilities, and iv: fruit and vegetable outlets) into a nationwide Healthy Living Index. This was applied to pooled (2015/16–2017/18) nationally representative New Zealand Health Survey data, with mental health conditions (depression, bipolar, and anxiety) and psychological distress as population-level outcomes. Mental health was associated with proximity to environmental ‘goods’ and ‘bads’. Compared to those individuals who reside within the unhealthiest environments, there was a steady reduction in the odds of adverse mental health outcomes and psychological distress as the environment became more health-promoting.