Does conurbation affect the risk of poor mental health? A population based record linkage study. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maguire, A.; O'Reilly, D.
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 34(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 126
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Pharmacoepidemiology -- Data linkage -- Urban -- Antidepressant; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2015.05.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: To determine if urban residence is associated with an increased risk of anxiety/depression independent of psychosocial stressors, concentrated disadvantage or selective migration between urban and rural areas, this population wide record-linkage study utilised data on receipt of prescription medication linked to area level indicators of conurbation and disadvantage. An urban/rural gradient in anxiolytic and antidepressant use was evident that was independent of variation in population composition. This gradient was most pronounced amongst disadvantaged areas. Migration into increasingly urban areas increased the likelihood of medication. These results suggest increasing conurbation is deleterious to mental health, especially amongst residents of deprived areas Highlights: We model risk of anxiety or depression given level of conurbation. Population wide record linkage study of Census returns and prescription medication utilisation. An urban/rural gradient in mental health is evident. Increasing conurbation is deleterious especially in deprived areas. Migration into increasingly urban areas increased the likelihood of medication.