2024-02-21 15:22:30
Research Press Release
Nature
February 22, 2024
A paper ranking the most important factors in creating a city that understands young people’s mental health was published this week.NaturePublished in One area that has emerged as an important point to focus on in the future is public spaces where young people can gather and build meaningful relationships. Our findings show that it is possible to design cities that have the potential to support the well-being and mental health of young residents, but we need to build collaboration across sectors to create more inclusive cities. It was shown that there is.
Young people under the age of 25 are the demographic group most likely to move to cities for educational, social and job opportunities. But moving to cities has been shown to be detrimental to mental health. There are several reasons for this, including violence, lack of green space, and environmental toxins. The number of children and young people growing up in cities is increasing, and measures are needed to improve the mental health of urban youth.
In this study, Pamela Collins and colleagues recruited 518 people from 53 countries, including researchers, policy makers, and young urban residents with expertise in a variety of fields related to urban life and youth well-being, using a questionnaire. We conducted a survey. These survey participants completed multiple questionnaires to describe the characteristics of their cities that were most suitable for providing a mental health-friendly living environment for young people, and then ranked those characteristics in order of importance. Ranked.
One of the most important characteristics of cities was the availability of free and safe community spaces for young people to connect, learn and socialize. In addition, secure employment opportunities, a supportive education system and quality healthcare were also found to be very important characteristics. The importance of addressing inequalities in mental health care and involving young people in urban development planning processes was also highlighted. Additionally, the study highlighted the negative effects of prejudice once morest minority groups, and eradicating both individual-level and structural discrimination ranked high as a policy response.
Parts of this research were conducted during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has had a profound impact on the well-being of urban youth. became apparent. Our data suggest that the pandemic has heightened the importance of community spaces and social networks. The absence or limited availability of these elements can contribute to further isolation of individuals and negative mental health outcomes.
These frameworks set clear priorities for future urban planning to improve the mental health and well-being of urban youth, particularly by reducing existing inequalities and the harm caused by the pandemic. emphasis is placed on Importantly, any response should be careful not to design programs that reinforce existing privileges, and that the planning and design of such initiatives should center young people. is what this framework emphasizes.
doi:10.1038/s41586-023-07005-4
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