An evaluation of an urban renewal program and its effects on neighborhood resident's overall wellbeing using concept mapping

Health Place. 2013 Sep:23:9-17. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2013.04.009. Epub 2013 May 16.

Abstract

Urban renewal programs aim to improve physical and socioeconomic position of neighborhoods. However, due to the intervention's complexity, there is often little evidence of their impact on health and health inequalities. This study aimed to identify the perception of a group of neighborhood residents towards a large-scale urban renewal program in Barcelona and to explore its effects and importance on their wellbeing using concept mapping methodology. Our results indicate that the majority of urban renewal projects within the initiative, including improved walkability, construction of new public spaces and more community programs, have positive and important effects on the overall wellbeing of participants. This study presents an innovative method that diverts from traditional outcome-based evaluations studies often used within this field.

Keywords: Concept mapping; Mixed methods; Urban health; Urban renewal; Wellbeing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Spain
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Health
  • Urban Renewal / organization & administration*
  • Young Adult