183. Spatial reconstruction, social network changes, and residents' mental health: an empirical analysis based on urban renewal projects

Abstract Background With the rapid advancement of urbanization, urban renewal projects are proliferating. Urban renewal refers to the strategic reallocation of urban spatial resources through measures such as preservation, reconstruction, demolition, and enhancement of public infrastructure. Spatial reconstruction, a key component of urban renewal, involves adjustments to building layouts, renovations of public spaces, and upgrades to infrastructure. As living environments evolve, residents 'social connections, interaction patterns, and community cohesion also undergo corresponding changes. This study conducts field research and data analysis on actual urban renewal projects to explore how spatial reconstruction and shifts in social networks impact residents' mental health, thereby providing a scientific basis for urban renewal policy formulation. Methods This study was conducted in the Yulin area of Chengdu, targeting residents who had lived in the renovated community for at least six months. A combination of questionnaires and interviews was employed. The questionnaire used a before-and-after design to collect residents 'self-rated psychological status data before and after the community renovation, analyzing the actual impact of urban renewal projects on residents' mental health. A total of 158 questionnaires were distributed, and 15 interviews were conducted, yielding 514 behavioral data points related to residents 'mental health. Statistical analysis tools were then used to describe residents' activity patterns under spatial reconstruction, and correlation analysis was employed to verify the relationship between social network changes and mental health. Results Survey results are presented in Table 1. From Table 1, among 158 valid questionnaires, residents' average scores for community space utility improved from 3.26 ± 0.48 to 4.17 ± 0.52 (p