Walk Score® as a moderator of neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and psychological distress

Abstract

Introduction Neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage has been consistently associated with poorer mental health outcomes, while greater walkability has been shown to be beneficial. This study examined whether walkability moderates the association between neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and psychological distress. Methods Data were drawn from wave 5 (2016) of the How Areas in Brisbane Influence Health and Activity (HABITAT) study and included 3088 mid-older aged adults who resided at the same address since baseline (2007). Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6); neighbourhood disadvantage was measured using a census-derived index, analysed in quintiles; and walkability was determined using Walk Score®. Results Participants in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods had greater psychological distress compared to those in the least disadvantaged neighbourhoods (β = 0.48, 95%CI 0.09, 0.87; p = 0.016), however, there was no evidence of moderation by Walk Score. Conclusion Although walkable neighbourhoods have demonstrated health benefits, the results suggest that walkability alone may be insufficient to buffer the structural and social challenges present in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Transport & Health, 2026 · DOI ↗