| Title |
An Analysis of Association Patterns between Depression Prevalence and Neighborhood Environment by Administrative Dong in Seoul |
| Authors |
장용준(Jang, Yong-Jun) ; 유석연(Yoo, Suk-Yeon) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.10.325 |
| Keywords |
Neighborhood Environment; Depression Prevalence; Small-Area Estimation; Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression |
| Abstract |
This study investigates the spatial association between depression prevalence and neighborhood environments across 424 administrative dongs
in Seoul, aiming to provide empirical evidence for mental health-friendly, place-based urban planning. By estimating dong-level depression
prevalence based on medical diagnosis and prescription data, the results reveal that depression is unevenly distributed and forms distinct
spatial clusters, highlighting clear micro-level health inequalities within the city. Crucially, the relationship between depression and built
environments exhibits "polysemy" and spatial heterogeneity. Identical physical facilities act as either protective or risk factors depending on
local socio-demographic contexts, forming specific structures such as educational competition stress in high-income areas, or physical and
safety stress in older, single-person neighborhoods. These findings suggest the need for neighborhood-level diagnosis linking mental health
indicators with urban planning variables. |