Increase public transport accessibility, improve mental health, researchers claim

Lee Baker
07 December 2015
Good access by public transport can reduce depression, the research suggests
Good access by public transport can reduce depression, the research suggests

 

Researchers have claimed that improving public transport accessibility reduces the risk of depression, especially for women and the elderly.

The research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is the result of an analysis of the levels of consumption of anti-depressants in different areas in Turin in north Italy. The researchers found that, whilst individual social characteristics such as employment, education and housing tenure have the strongest association with depression, public transport accessibility and urban density are two built environment characteristics also associated with mental health.

"Good accessibility to public transport.. could contribute to reduced risk of depression... by increasing opportunities to move around and have an active life," the researchers conclude, urging transport planners to consider those at risk. They add, however, that the main responsibility for ensuring good mental health remains with social policy, and that good public transport services cannot sufficiently compensate for those most vulnerable to social and economic distress.

Senior Programme Development Officer
East Midlands Combined County Authority
Chesterfield / Hybrid
£36,648 - £41,418
Deputy Team Leader - Transport Planning
London Borough of Havering
Town Hall, Romford, Essex, RM1 3BB, GB
Grade 9 £51,093 - £55,155 pa
Senior Programme Development Officer
East Midlands Combined County Authority
Chesterfield / Hybrid
£36,648 - £41,418
View all Vacancies
 
Search
 
 
 

TransportXtra is part of Landor LINKS

© 2024 TransportXtra | Landor LINKS Ltd | All Rights Reserved

Subscriptions, Magazines & Online Access Enquires
[Frequently Asked Questions]
Email: subs.ltt@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7959

Shop & Accounts Enquires
Email: accounts@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7855

Advertising Sales & Recruitment Enquires
Email: daniel@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7861

Events & Conference Enquires
Email: conferences@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7865

Press Releases & Editorial Enquires
Email: info@transportxtra.com | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7875

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Advertise

Web design london by Brainiac Media 2020