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Urbanization, urbanicity, and health
1Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, New York 10029-5293, USA.
Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine
|December 11, 2002
Summary
Urbanization is rapidly increasing, especially in developing nations. This study proposes a framework to understand how urban environments impact population health through social, physical, and service-related factors.
Area of Science:
- Urban health
- Environmental health
- Public health
Background:
- Global population increasingly resides in urban areas, with rapid growth in less-wealthy nations.
- Limited data exist on the specific urban features influencing population health outcomes.
- Urbanization presents complex challenges for public health and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a framework for investigating urban environmental factors affecting health.
- To define and differentiate key dimensions: urbanization (change) and urbanicity (impact).
- To identify critical themes influencing urban health: social, physical, and service environments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published research on urban environments and health.
- Conceptual framework development based on two dimensions: urbanization and urbanicity.
- Thematic analysis of factors impacting health within urban settings.
Main Results:
- Identified social, physical, and access to health/social services as key themes affecting urban health.
- Highlighted the need for interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from ecology, epidemiology, and sociology.
- Emphasized the potential of cross-national research to elucidate urbanization's health impacts.
Conclusions:
- A structured framework is essential for advancing urban health research.
- Understanding the interplay between urban environments and population health requires diverse scientific input.
- Further cross-national studies are crucial to identify city-specific features and urbanization effects on health.