Neighbourhood influences on youth mental health and stress levels during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health and stress levels warrants urgent attention. In Canada, as elsewhere in the world, public health measures in the early stages of the pandemic dramatically transformed the everyday geographies of young people. In the hyper-localisation of everyday life, surrounding neighbourhood features like parks and food-related stores may have provided the only outlets for physical activity, social interaction, and relaxation outside of the home. We examine how health-related behaviours, neighbourhood features, and demographic factors may relate to changes in youth mental health and stress levels during the first six months of the pandemic. A cross-sectional youth-informed online survey was conducted with youth, aged 13–19, in London, Ontario, Canada. Respondents were surveyed about their mental health and stress levels before and during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic. From 279 respondents, we identified how age, gender, ethnicity, dietary habits, physical activity levels, and availability of parks, fast food, convenience stores and grocery stores could correlate with mental health and stress levels. Given the role played by public spaces, our work underscores the importance of including youth perspectives in the planning of the public realm which contributes to healthy and thriving communities.