B4068 - Understanding the mechanisms linking the urban environment to mental health in childhood adolescence and early adulthood - 25/05/2022

B number: 
B4068
Principal applicant name: 
Joanne Newbury | University of Bristol
Co-applicants: 
Prof Stan Zammit
Title of project: 
Understanding the mechanisms linking the urban environment to mental health in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood
Proposal summary: 

Individuals who are raised in urban (versus rural) settings are around twice as likely to develop a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia. Research also suggests that risk for other mental health problems, in particular depression, anxiety and conduct problems, is elevated in urban settings. Given that 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050, it is essential that we uncover the pathways linking cities and psychosis so that we can inform intervention efforts.
Air and noise pollution are among the biggest environmental health risks that the world faces, and are particularly problematic in cities. Growing evidence also suggests that air pollution may contribute to the development of mental health problems. However, it is currently unknown whether air and noise pollution might partly explain the elevated risk for mental health problems found in cities. In addition, there has been a lack of longitudinal research, including that using pollution spanning the early years of development. Studies have also often been inadequately controlled for potential confounders.
This project will examine 1) the longitudinal associations of air pollution exposure from pregnancy to age 15 with psychotic experiences at age 12, 18, and 24; and examine specificity by repeating analyses with anxiety, depression, and conduct problems as outcomes; 2) explore the interplay between neighbourhood social characteristics (crime and social fragmentation) and air pollution in the emergence of psychotic experiences, and 3) examine two potential biopsychological mechanisms linking urban neighbourhood exposures with mental health, namely inflammation and cognition.

Impact of research: 
This research will serve a range of stakeholders, including researchers, industry, policymakers, and the general public. Air pollution is a known cause of physical disease, but very little is known about the impact of air pollution on mental health problems. My research will contribute to the evidence base on air pollution and mental health, which is essential for policymakers to make the economic case for tightening air pollution restrictions. Though a major global challenge, urban expansion nevertheless provides a unique opportunity for promoting healthy urban design. My research will also be useful to industry and policymakers to provide evidence for targets in the urban environment that could be modified to improve mental health. By identifying modifiable targets in the urban environment, this research has the strong potential to improve the mental health of urban residents now and for years to come. My plan for maximising impact of the findings is as follows: 1) I expect that the research proposed will lead directly to at least four publications in highly regarded journals with a broad readership. 2) I will disseminate findings via oral presentations at six international psychiatry/epidemiology conferences that attract a wide audience such as MQ Mental Health Science Meeting. 3) I will liaise with press teams such as the Science Media Centre to maximise the impact of the findings through press releases and press briefings. 4) I will ensure that findings are clearly presented to the public by preparing blogs and podcasts, and by participating in interactive open workshops and talks. 5) I will share my findings with policymakers by holding a policy lab with support from Policy Bristol.
Date proposal received: 
Wednesday, 11 May, 2022
Date proposal approved: 
Friday, 20 May, 2022
Keywords: 
Mental health - Psychology, Psychiatry, Cognition, Cognitive impairment, Statistical methods, Biomarkers - e.g. cotinine, fatty acids, haemoglobin, etc.