Association between residential stressors and mental health outcomes in Belgium

TPS 701: Spatial determinants of population health, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: Mental health in a broad sense is defined as the ability to cope with problems and fulfill one’s role in society. In this area, Belgium has a poor record, featuring a high number of depressions and anxiety disorders. The NAMED project aims at exploring different dimensions of mental health in Belgium in relation to the (non) built environment. Methods: Data from the Health Interview Survey (HIS) 2008 and 2013 was used. Variables describing mental health and annoyance at home (air pollution, noise, smells, …) for 13.905 participants were analyzed using the R statistical language. Based on mixed factor analysis (FAMD) on mental health variables and environmental stressors, relevant indicators were selected and screened on differences between provinces. Results: Five indicators were selected for both mental health and environmental stressors based on their contribution to the first four dimensions. The state of mental health was similar in the majority of the provinces, but differences in the dimensions of mental health problems could be seen. Psychological distress was lowest in West-Flanders, and highest in Brussels. Subjective health however was highest in Brabant Walloon and lowest in West-Flanders. Suicidal ideation and depression was observed more often in Namur and Hainaut and less so in Limburg and Antwerp. Brussels performed poorly on nearly all dimensions of mental health. When looking at residential annoyances, traffic noise and vibrations were mentioned most often, and densely populated provinces were more affected than others. Airplane noise was most prevalent in Brussels and Flemish Brabant. More than 80% of the participants were not at all annoyed by air pollution at home. In Brussels, this drops to 60%. Conclusions: Provinces with more mention of environmental stressors appear to have more mental health problems, although this association is not always straightforward and depends on the dimension of mental health considered.