Thesis title: A green urban lifestyle: le determinanti socioculturali per uno stile di vita salutare e sostenibile nella città - Indagine Mixed-Method tra i cittadini di Milano, Napoli e Roma
The study explores the intersection between health and lifestyles, adopting an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates biomedical, biobehavioral, and sociocultural approaches. Health is conceived as a complex social good, influenced by multiple determinants, including environmental, economic, and cultural factors. Lifestyles, studied in fields such as medicine, epidemiology, sociology, and psychology, play an increasingly significant role in preventing non-communicable chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity), which are key aspects of the contemporary epidemiological transition (WHO, 1999, 2002, 2022; Fuchs, 1986; Gochman, 1982; Cockerham, 1997).
While biomedical approaches focus on pharmacological interventions and modifications of risk factors, biobehavioral approaches emphasize the importance of daily habits—ranging from diet to physical activity—as preventive tools. However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of health, it is essential to analyze the social and environmental determinants that shape lifestyles and their evolution in contemporary metropolitan areas. The research focuses on Rome, Naples, and Milan, three emblematic urban contexts characterized by socio-economic heterogeneity, cultural stratification, and complexity in public health dynamics.
A key aspect of this study is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban life models, which has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities and redefined the relationship between citizens, health, and urban space. The socio-economic and labor transformations triggered by the health crisis have generated new vulnerabilities, altering perceptions of well-being and the ability to adopt healthy and sustainable behaviors.
The research adopts a Mixed-Methods (MM) approach (Amaturo & Punziano, 2016; Creswell & Creswell, 2005), combining quantitative and qualitative analysis to provide an integrated view of the phenomenon. The research questions are structured around three main dimensions:
Sociocultural factors and personal values: How do beliefs, norms, and identities influence health and sustainability choices in contemporary cities?
Influence of urban space: What role do accessibility to services, the quality of public spaces, and urban mobility play in the adoption of healthy lifestyles?
Emerging models of health and sustainability: What new practices are emerging in response to ongoing social and environmental transformations?
The study is structured into three chapters. The first chapter defines the theoretical framework, analyzing conceptual transformations of health over time and its interconnection with sustainability (Agenda 2030). It explores the Salutogenic Model of Health (SMH), the concept of well-being, and health inequalities, deepening the role of urbanization and public spaces in urban health. The second chapter presents the research design, illustrating the use of Mixed Methods and discussing the importance of integrating quantitative and qualitative data for a more articulated understanding of urban dynamics. The third chapter presents the research findings, identifying recurring patterns in health and sustainability practices and assessing the impact of social and environmental determinants on citizens' daily choices.
The results reveal that accessibility to healthcare services, the quality of urban spaces, and individual awareness are crucial factors in the dissemination of healthy and sustainable lifestyles. The analysis also highlights that social capital and socio-economic stratification significantly influence individuals' ability to adopt virtuous behaviors, emphasizing the need for targeted public policies to reduce inequalities and promote well-being in urban areas.
The study concludes with a critical reflection on future research perspectives, suggesting possible intervention strategies to enhance the quality of life in Italian cities through inclusive urban planning, the strengthening of social networks, and a greater integration of health and sustainability in policymaking.