Hybrid seminar: Urban densification and 10-year changes in medication prescriptions for depression and anxiety: a nationwide analysis
On Tuesday July 9th, 2024, Carel-Peter van Erpecum (Erasmus University) will give a presentation titled: "Urban densification and 10-year changes in medication prescriptions for depression and anxiety: a nationwide analysis." To attend this seminar, please send an e-mail to Simone Pailer (secretaressepool@cpb.nl). You will be registered at the reception or will receive a Teams invitation via Outlook.
Introduction: Urban densification is an increasingly common strategy to address the housing crisis in the Netherlands and may have a wide range of health effects. Still, the evidence on the role of urban densification in depression and anxiety in the Dutch adult general population is limited. The evidence is mainly based on data that are cross-sectional, unrepresentative of the general population, and imprecise in terms of exposure measurement. This study aims, firstly, to characterize urban densification in Dutch large municipalities. Secondly, this study aims to examine the effects of urban densification on depression and anxiety in the Dutch adult general population. Thirdly, this study aims to examine heterogeneity across socio-economic status groups in the effects of urban densification on depression and anxiety.
Methods: We will use nationwide medication registry and socio-demographic data from Statistics Netherlands from the period 2009-2019. Participant residential addresses will be linked to the 100x100 grid (2009-2019), an annually published dataset containing aggregate information about urban density and socio-demographic characteristics for every square of 100x100 metres in the Netherlands. Urban densification will be measured as changes in population density within this 100x100 grid. Prescribed nervous system medication based will be used as a proxy to measure depression and anxiety. Random-effects-within-between (REWB) models will be conducted to analyze effects of urban densification on depression and anxiety, adjusting for individual and environmental potential confounders. Moderation analyses will be performed to examine heterogeneity of these effects across socio-economic status levels. Several sensitivity analyses will be conducted, including modelling lagged effects.
Expected results and discussions: Descriptives regarding urban densification in the Netherlands and preliminary analyses on its effects on depression and anxiety will be presented. Ultimately, these insights could provide entry points for policies to design healthier living environments and, potentially, to address socio-economic differences in mental health.
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