Analysis of the associations between urban infrastructure and population lifestyle: rationale, study design and methodology

Abstract

The creation of a socially comfortable urban environment is crucial for reducing health risks among the population. Numerous foreign studies have shown that urban infrastructure such as buildings, transportation, street design, public spaces, and access to resources such as healthy food, recreational areas, and places for physical activity have a significant contribution to the health of urban residents. In Russia, the evidence on this topic is still scarce. Therefore, it is important to introduce the research methodology of the first Russian study on the associations between urban environment and population lifestyle. The aim of this article is to describe the rationale for the study, the study design, and the methodology of a comprehensive assessment of the municipal infrastructure that affects the health of the population. Additionally, the article will analyze the association between infrastructure and lifestyle to create a unified preventive environment at the municipal level. This will lead to the development of a comprehensive intersectoral health promotion program that takes into account the risk factors for the health of the population in a specific municipality.