Environmental Factors

• Geographical Location


  • People who live in rural areas may not have access to transport and therefore may be less likely to make GP appointments to enquire about their symptoms or go to the hospital for check-ups
  • Individuals may live in highly polluted areas, which can affect their physical health, for example people who live near factories may have increased risk of respiratory disorders such as asthma
  • Due to the postcode lottery, people in some areas may have less access to treatment, e.g. New cancer drugs
  • People who live in isolated areas may have to wait longer for help, e.g. An ambulance in the result of an emergency – their physical condition may deteriorate as a result
• Geographical Location

  Negative Effects on Psychological Health and Well-being

   People in isolated rural areas may feel lonely as they have less chance to communicate

  with other people

   People from urban areas are more likely to suffer from stress related illnesses as they are

  living a busy lifestyle

   Some people live in areas where facilities for individuals

  with mental illnesses are very sparse, e.g. No local day

  centre – this has an adverse effect on psychological health

   Stigma associated with being from a “rough” area can have

  a negative impact on self-esteem.
• Geographical Location

  Negative Effects on Social Health and Well-being

   People who live in isolated rural areas may not have as much chance to interact with other

  people as those who live in an urban area or in an area that is well served by public

  transport which gives people the opportunity to visit friends

   Some people live in geographical locations where there are not many facilities (e.g. day

  centres, youth clubs, leisure centres or restaurants) that provide

  opportunities for social interaction, so people may be socially

  isolated

   People in inner cities may be socially
• Geographical Location


  The area where people live
• People who live in areas with public transport

  Are more likely to make GP appointments to enquire about their symptoms or go to the hospital for check-ups so illnesses may be dealt with before a condition deteriorates
• Individuals who live in areas with good air quality or very little pollution


  May benefit physically as they are less prone to respiratory conditions
• Due to the postcode lottery


  People in some areas may have better access to treatment, e.g. new cancer drugs
• People who live in urban areas

  May have better access to help in a medical emergency, e.g. an ambulance can get to them quickly from the local hospital
• People who live in urban areas

  May have better access to leisure facilities like gyms which can have a positive impact on fitness
• People may live in an area with good access to walking, e.g. near a city or country park


  Provides opportunities for exercise to improve fitness
• Positive Effects on Physical Health and Well-being

  • People are more likely to seek medical care
  • Less prone to respiratory conditions
  • Better access to treatment
  • Better access to emergency services
  • Better access to leisure facilities for fitness
• Geographical Location


  • People in more populated areas may have lots of company and opportunities to mix with others while attending community events and groups
  • People in rural or coastal areas may benefit from a more stress-free life where their lifestyle is more relaxed and there are plentiful leisure activities to get involved in; many outdoors
  • People living in affluent (rich) communities/areas, may have a very positive self-concept and high self-esteem
  • People living in areas where facilities for individuals with mental illnesses are plentiful e.g. Local day centres, specialist hospitals or clinics – has a positive effect on psychological health
• Positive Effects on Psychological Health and Well-being


  The benefits that geographical location can have on a person's mental health and overall sense of well-being
• Geographical Location


  • Positive effects on Social Health and Well-being
• Facilities that provide opportunities for social interaction


  • Day centres for older people or people with mental health problems
  • Youth clubs
  • Leisure centres
  • Restaurants
• Rural areas or small towns and villages


  • Sense of community
  • Interact freely with people they encounter day to day because they know them personally
• Urban area or area well served by public transport

  • More opportunities to visit friends/attend social events
• Pollution


  Impact on Physical Health and Well-Being
• Vehicles and factories releasing toxic fumes into the atmosphere

  People at risk of developing respiratory infections such as bronchitis
• Long-term effects of air pollution

  1. Chronic respiratory disease

  2. Lung cancer

  3. Heart disease

  4. Damage to brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys
• Run-off from fields in rural areas

  Pollute drinking water with chemicals causing illnesses like stomach upsets
• Noise pollution, e.g. from air traffic

  Disrupt sleep patterns leaving individuals tired and lethargic
• Impact of pollution on social health and well-being

  • People with respiratory illnesses like asthma or bronchitis may feel they can't go out in public often as pollution can worsen their illness, adversely affecting their social well-being
  • People with respiratory illnesses caused by pollution may not be able to take part in some sporting or leisure activities as the illness can affect their breathing patterns and cause shortness of breath, missing out on opportunities to socialise
  • People living in high pollution areas may have to pay for good filtration systems to reduce fumes in their homes, limiting money for social activities
• Pollution


  Worry and stress about the risk of being exposed to pollution and its potential physical effects
• Pollution


  Evidence shows air pollution can lead to stress, depression, and mood swings
• High levels of air pollution

  May damage children's cognitive abilities
• High levels of air pollution

  Increase adults' risk of cognitive decline
• High levels of air pollution

  Possibly contribute to depression
• Long-term exposure to the toxic effects of urban pollution

  Can lead to psychiatric disorders, as the toxic substances interfere with the normal functioning of the nervous system