A Narrative Review of Urbanization and Mental Health: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Urbanization is a phenomenon that shows the expansion of urban areas in conjunction with industrial and economic progress. Rapid world urbanization is caused by the swift rise in urban residents as a proportion of the population. Efforts to examine the quality of urban life and urbanization as distinct risk factors for mental illness within specific age groups have been made. However, the issue remains contentious and largely unresolved. Urban mental health issues, such as substance abuse, fear of crime, poverty, and ethnicity, are associated with factors like depression, aggression, fear, sadness, and personality disorders. The entire gamut of the population, particularly adult males and females, is affected by these impacts of urbanization. The size of the population increases the prevalence of the preview study. India is expected to concentrate highly on the whole urban population, but this might inadvertently cause harm to urban residents. This review discusses the impact of urbanization on mental health and well-being. We search via PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, and databases like WHO. The language of the study is English, and other language articles are excluded. The mental health challenges associated with urbanization impact the entire population, with a notable emphasis on adult males and females. They are raising awareness about various urban programs designed for urban populations. It will function as a coordinator of change in a rapidly modified Indian society to spread awareness about mental illnesses throughout all segments of society.

Keywords: impact on women's mental health; mental health; urban health hazard; urbanization; urbanization programs.

Figure 1. PRISMA methodology for literature search

Adapted from the PRISMA guidelines PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Figure 2. The interface between issues and effects of urbanization in India

Image credit: Ankita Hepat

Figure 3. Public health problems in urban areas

Image credit: Ankita Hepat