The Role of Perceived Neighborhood Factors and the Built Environment on Depression and Stress Among Latinas on US-Mexico Border

Neighborhood factors and the built environment (e.g., sidewalks, bike lanes and public transportation) are important social determinants of mental health. Yet scarce research explores their impact on Latinx mental health in Colonias (unincorporated, rural communities with limited access to basic utilities like water and electricity) along the U.S.-Mexico border. Secondary analysis of baseline data from a promotora-led, physical activity intervention in Colonias examined relationships between neighborhood environment and mental health among Spanish-speaking Latinas (N = 620) mostly born in Mexico (86%). The Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) assesses the perceived neighborhood environment such as neighborhood safety, infrastructure, and access to destinations. Multivariate linear regressions assessed associations between the PANES, the Built Environment Index (BEI), stress (PSS-10) and depression (CESD-10), controlling for age, marital status, education, income, and nativity. Most participants (90%) reported moderate to high stress (PSS ≥ 14), and approximately 30% were at risk for clinical depression (CESD ≥ 10). Analyses indicated that higher PANES total scores were significantly associated with lower depression (β = −0.88, p < 0.05) and stress (β = −1.67, p < 0.001). Similarly, higher BEI total scores were significantly associated with lower stress (β = −0.53, p < 0.001). Individual BEI items, including greater housing density (β = −1.26) and neighborhood access to recreation facilities (β = −0.97), were significantly associated with lower depression scores (p < 0.05). The built environment had a significant impact on mental health among Latinas residing in Colonias. Neighborhood density and access to recreation facilities were particularly important, potentially serving as protective factors for mental health. Investment in the built environment in Colonias could improve mental health.