title: Neighbourhood influences on mental health in master planned estates: a qualitative study of resident perspectives.
abstract: Neighbourhood characteristics have been linked to a range of health outcomes, including mental health. Despite the growth of master planned estates (MPEs) within Australia, few studies have investigated the physical and social correlates of mental health in residents of new housing developments. Methods This study aimed to identify the facilitators of, and barriers to, mentally healthy neighbourhoods using focus groups with residents of MPEs in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia. Focus group interviews were analysed using qualitative research software package QSR NVivo. Results and Conclusions Results suggest that mental health is strongly influenced by a sense of community and security, as well as an aesthetically pleasing environment. Residents of MPEs may experience a strong sense of community due to similarities in life-stage and the community building efforts of property developers. Expanding population size, social exclusion, and insufficient services may negatively affect the mental health of residents in MPEs. SO WHAT?: Identifying correlates of mentally healthy neighbourhoods may help urban planners design residential areas that promote healthy living.
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Built Environment and Health, School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
authors.forename: Jacinta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.affiliation: McCaughy Centre, School of Population Health, Level 5, 207 Bouverie Street, University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Billie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Giles-Corti
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Built Environment and Health, School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Built Environment and Health, School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Knuiman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012449:Safety; D012931:Social Environment; D014904:Western Australia