The impact of urbanization on youth mental health in Hong Kong.

Journal: Current opinion in psychiatry

Volume: 37

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2024

Affiliated Institutions:  School of Nursing. Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.

Abstract summary 

Urbanization is a multifaceted process that can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, especially in adolescents. This paper attempts to summarize the impact of urbanization on youth mental health in Hong Kong.Several studies have shown that urbanization is associated with an increased risk of youth mental health problems in Hong Kong. Psychosocial factors like perceived stress, social isolation, and exposure to environmental pollutants may contribute to a negative association between urbanization and mental health issues. Academic pressure, poor transparency and accessibility to mental health services in Hong Kong further exacerbate youth's mental health wellbeing. Environmental factors like housing conditions, green spaces, and visible urban greenery have been found to influence mental health outcomes. Existing empirical studies have found a positive association between urbanization and mental health problems, while others have found no association or even a negative association.Further research is warranted to investigate the complex relationship between urbanization and youth mental health in Hong Kong. Exploration of effective interventions is necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on youth mental health. Understanding this relationship can inform health policy-making and formulate interventions to promote youth's mental health well being in the short-and long run.

Authors & Co-authors:  Cheung Fong Xiang

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Turan MT, Besirli A. Impacts of urbanization process on mental health. Anatolian J Psychiatry 2008; 9:238–243.
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000930
SSN : 1473-6578
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
United States