How city living affects mental health-a qualitative exploration of urban stressors among adults in a megacity in India

This study underscores the complex interaction between physical and social environmental factors in influencing mental health of residents of the city. The findings underscore the importance of adopting a multisectoral and inclusive approach to urban planning that places mental well-being at its core. Integrating mental health into city development guided by frameworks such as HiAP approach (Health in All Policies), the WHO Healthy Cities initiative, GAPS (Green, Active, Prosocial, and Safe places), among others can support the creation of inclusive and sustainable urban spaces in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11). However, this study has certain limitations, primarily the lack of generalizability due to its qualitative design conducted in a single Indian megacity, as well as the absence of assessment of mental health outcomes using standardized mental health assessment tools.