Micro-scale environment and mental health in later life: results from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II (CFAS II)

Wu, Yu-Tzu, Prina, A. Matthew, Jones, Andy, Barnes, Linda E., Matthews, Fiona E. and Brayne, Carol (2017) Micro-scale environment and mental health in later life: results from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II (CFAS II). Journal of Affective Disorders, 218. 359–364. ISSN 0165-0327

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Abstract

Background: Poor micro-scale environmental features, such as graffiti and broken windows, have been associated with crime and signs of social disorder with a potential impact on mental health. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between micro-scale environment and mental health problems in later life, including cognitive (cognitive impairment and dementia) and common mental disorders (depressive and anxiety symptoms). Methods: The method of visual image audits was used to collect micro-scale environmental data for 3590 participants in the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II, a population-based multicentre cohort of people aged 65 or above in England. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the quality of micro-scale environment and mental health problems taking into account urban/rural difference. Results: Poor quality of micro-scale environment was associated with nearly 20% increased odds of depressive (OR: 1.19; 95%CI: 0.99, 1.44) and anxiety symptoms (OR: 1.17; 95%CI: 0.99,4 1.38) while the direction of association for cognitive disorders differed across urban and rural settings. Although higher odds of cognitive disorders were found in rural settings, living in a poor quality environment was associated with nearly twice higher odds of cognitive impairment (OR: 1.88; 95%CI: 1.18, 2.97) in urban conurbations but 20% lower odds in rural areas (OR: 0.80; 95%CI: 0.57, 1.11). Limitations: The causal direction could not be fully determined due to the cross-sectional nature of the data. The visual nature of the environmental assessment tool means it likely does not fully capture features related to the availability of local support services, or opportunities for social participation and interaction. Conclusions: The quality of micro-scale environment appears to be important to mental health in older people. Interventions may incorporate the environmental aspect to reduce cognitive and common mental disorders.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	environment,neighbourhood,older age,depression,anxiety,cognitive disorder,sdg 3 - good health and well-being,sdg 16 - peace, justice and strong institutions ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Business and Local Government Data Research Centre (former - to 2023) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023)
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	09 May 2017 05:08
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2022 02:38
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/63408
DOI:	10.1016/j.jad.2017.05.001

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