Effects of Superblocks on health and health inequities: a proposed evaluation framework

• Published in: Journal of epidemiology and community health (1979) Vol. 73; no. 7; pp. 585 - 588
• Main Authors: Mehdipanah, Roshanak, Novoa, Ana M, León-Gómez, Brenda Biaani, López, Maria José, Palència, Laia, Vasquez, Hugo, Díez, Èlia, Borrell, Carme, Pérez, Katherine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ 01.07.2019; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Air pollution; Bicycling; Biodiversity; Cities; City Planning - organization & administration; Environment Design; Essay; Health disparities; Health Status; Health Status Disparities; Humans; Noise pollution; Outdoor air quality; Participation; Population; Public spaces; Residence Characteristics; Urban planning; Urban Population; Spain; health inequities; environmental health; neighbourhood; traffic
• ISSN: 0143-005X; 1470-2738
• DOI: 10.1136/jech-2018-211738

The following essay outlines the intervention and presents a framework that will serve as a guide in the evaluation of the different effects of the Superblocks. Superblocks consist of amalgamations of blocks throughout the city, with the goal of improving the habitability of public spaces, advancing sustainable mobility, increasing urban green, and promoting residents’ participation and coresponsibility, while ultimately influencing residents’ health and health inequities. The evaluation framework considers the following aspects: the interventions implemented in the Superblock strategy, the changes that occur at neighbourhood and individual level and the population turnover as intermediate factors and finally the health outcomes. Inequity dimensions are also considered.