Objectives: There is evidence that mental health status is partly determined by socioeconomic status. Recent research in the U.K. has highlighted the importance of place or context as a health determinant. This study aimed to analyze both individual socioeconomic variables and area of residence as potential risk factors for mental ill health. The objectives were to determine whether the effects of key explanatory variables on mental health status varies by area of residence and whether area of residence has an independent effect on mental health status once other key variables have been controlled for. Methods: The study used data collected as part of the Brazilian Multicentric Study of Psychiatric Morbidity. Data from a cross-sectional survey carried out in three socioeconomically contrasting sub-districts in São Paulo, Brazil, was used. The main outcome measure was mental health status as measured by the Questionário de Morbidade Psiquiátrica de Adultos (QMPA). Results: The results demonstrate that, even after key individual socioeconomic variables were controlled for, area of residence had a statistically significant effect on mental health status. Discussion: A possible explanation for the effect of area of residence relates to the social and physical features of places and their subsequent impact on health. Conclusions: It is important for mental health research to acknowledge the potential importance of the effect of area of residence on health, particularly in relation to developing new mental health promotion initiatives.
Mental health; Socioeconomic status; Area of residence; São Paulo; Brazil
