Neighborhood epidemiological monitoring and adult mental health: European Quality of Life Survey, 2007–2012

Little is monitored on perceived neighborhood noise, quality of drinking water, air quality, rubbish, traffic, etc. at a continental scale. This study was aimed to examine the relationships of such neighborhood risks and mental health in adults and the very old in an international and population-based setting across Europe. Data were retrieved from the European Quality of Life Survey, 2007–2012 including demographics, living conditions, income and financial situation, housing and local environment, family, work, health, social participation and quality of social services. Adults aged 18 and above were included for statistical analysis (n = 79,270). Analysis included chi-square test, t test and logistic regression modeling. People who lived in town or city tended to indicate certain major problems for them such as noise (odds ratio (OR) 2.34, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.17–2.53, P < 0.001), air quality (OR 2.76, 95 % CI 2.54–3.00, P < 0.001), low quality of drinking water (OR 1.33, 95 % CI 1.23–1.43, P < 0.001), crime and/or violence (OR 2.92, 95 % CI 2.68–3.19, P < 0.001), rubbish (OR 3.68, 95 % CI 3.41–3.97, P < 0.001) and traffic congestion (OR 2.64, 95 % CI 2.45–2.85, P < 0.001). People who reported major problems on noise (OR 2.19, 95 % CI 1.96–2.45, P < 0.001), air quality (OR 2.11, 95 % CI 1.87–2.37, P < 0.001), low quality of drinking water (OR 2.40, 95 % CI 2.14–2.68, P < 0.001), crime and/or violence (OR 2.13, 95 % CI 1.88–2.41, P < 0.001), rubbish (OR 1.98, 95 % CI 1.77–2.11, P < 0.001) and traffic congestion (OR 1.50, 95 % CI 1.34–1.68, P < 0.001) were also classified as having depression. Perceived neighborhood conditions were associated with adult mental health across Europe. Future neighborhood monitoring research moving from the etiological to neighborhood management would be suggested.