Women’s lived experiences of the built environment and maternal psychosocial well-being in urban slums and slum rehabilitation colonies: a qualitative study in Bhopal, India

BACKGROUND: Nearly half of India's urban population lives in informal settlements, facing substandard living conditions due to overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and limited access to basic amenities. These conditions critically affect the psychosocial well-being of mothers, yet limited research exists on how the built environment impacts maternal psychosocial health in urban poor settings in India. OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of housing conditions and neighborhood environments on maternal psychosocial health among mothers of children under five residing in urban slums and in-situ slum rehabilitation colonies in Bhopal, India. METHODS: A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was conducted through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with mothers from both slum and in-situ slum rehabilitation settings. Thematic analysis was employed to identify emerging patterns and interpretive themes reflecting shared and lived experiences. RESULTS: Women residing in slum areas were particularly vulnerable due to overcrowded and poorly constructed dwellings. Inadequate infrastructure and environmental stressors contributed to persistent fears of accidents and safety risks. In both slum and BSUP rehabilitation contexts, social isolation and limited community cohesion heightened fears of crime, adversely affecting psychosocial health. Uncertainty surrounding potential relocation, combined with caregiving-related health concerns, further intensified emotional stress and psychosocial burden. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need to improve housing quality, ensure reliable access to essential amenities, and strengthen community support systems. Developing comprehensive, context-sensitive strategies that enhance resilience and psychosocial well-being is essential for promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development among vulnerable populations.