Area Environment and Health in the Netherlands

Abstract

Geographical differences in health are becoming an increasingly important theme in the field of public health. Studies focusing on health differences between countries, or regions within countries, or even at a smaller geographical scale, provide evidence for geographical variations in health. The unequal distribution of health across geographical areas implies that where one lives does matter to health. The studies in this thesis aim to contribute to this discussion by focusing on the area environment and its relation to health at the small geographical scale. This introduction starts with a brief historical description of the role of place of residence in public health, followed by an explanation for observed geographical health patterns. We then elaborate on the mechanisms that might explain how the area environment can influence health. Next, five area features - which are the focus of this thesis - and their possible relation to health are discussed. Finally, we present an outline of this thesis with a brief summary of the individual chapters.