EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Inventory of health in the 17 Belgian urban regions

Inventory of health in the 17 Belgian urban regions

Introduction

Research into health in urban environments: inventory of health in the 17 Belgian urban regions.

Description

The research covers:

a statement of health in the 17 Belgian urban regions and more particularly in underprivileged areas;
a presentation of the various models for health services in underprivileged areas;
the outline of a list of indicators enabling the monitoring of changes to the state of health in the 17 urban zones;
recommendations for dealing with health problems, more particularly in underprivileged areas.

The research project is a collaboration between the University of Ghent (General Medicine and Primary Healthcare) and the Open University of Brussels (General Medicine).

Background information

Based on the idea that there is a correlation between people’s state of health and life in the area where they live, the study seeks to verify this hypothesis and presents recommendations for improving the health of people living in underprivileged areas. More specifically, it broaches the following question: how can we improve people’s health in general, including via housing, living environment, living conditions, etc. in an urban environment and more particularly in underprivileged areas?

Methodology

The study was developed using qualitative (figures, data, statistics, etc.) and quantitative (inventory of good practices, meetings with experts, confrontation of scenarios with target groups of people whose situation is precarious, etc.) methods.

Conclusions

The improvement of the state of health of the people living in underprivileged areas in major towns and cities requires a multi-dimensional approach for quality and accessible healthcare. In particular, the study recommends:

promoting the strength of individuals;
making communities more solid;
improving accessibility to essential services;
encouraging macroeconomic and cultural change.

Contact info

Cellule Politique grandes Villes
info@politiquedesgrandesvilles.be
http://www.politiquedesgrandesvilles.be
Sabine Amato, tel. + 32 2 509 89 94

Publication date

01/11/2004

Researcher

Professor Dr. Jan De Maeseneer & Professor Dr. Michel Roland

Cities

The 17 Belgian urban regions and more particularly in underprivileged areas.

Inventory of health in the 17 Belgian urban regions (PDF, Dut, 6 MB)

Inventory of health in the 17 Belgian urban regions (PDF, Fre, 6.2 MB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Health