Topics applied into action

We present a novel conceptual framework called the Urban Stress Model, which intentionally crosses disciplinary boundaries. We suggest that the unique physical form of cities contributes to an increased stress burden through the interacting influences of daily urban hazards and social disadvantage. We use New York City as a case example because of its high diabetes rates and its legacy of unequal healthcare in the context of concentrated wealth. Therefore, New York City can provide valuable insights for newly developing urban centers worldwide confronting similar challenges and growing social and health inequality.

This research from Sydney shows the value of combining qualitative flexibility with systems thinking. Key contributions include: 1) Demonstrating how conversational, non-rigid methods reveal overlooked drivers of health and well-being. 2) Showing that human–environment systems perspectives add depth to urban health research. 3) Providing a never-before-used resident-centred approach for studying complex city living challenges.

At the intersection of urban and public health policy, the success of higher-density affordable housing solutions to serve an inclusive well-being agenda depends upon reducing the association of these lifestyles and built environments with loneliness and social isolation. We construct a pro-neighbouring index and test its predictors using an ordinal logistic regression model based on resident survey data.

Urban planning significantly impacts public health, yet health considerations are often overlooked in city development strategies. Climate change further exacerbates urban health risks, particularly in vulnerable regions. Despite growing recognition of the link between urban planning and health, cities lack structured methodologies to quantify and integrate health-related data into policy. Without systematic approach, cities struggle to identify disparities, allocate resources effectively, and create health-resilient urban environments. Addressing this gap is critical for sustainable urban development.

We explored the combined effects of housing affordability, quality, tenure, and neighbourhood conditions on mental health outcomes. We gathered data through a survey involving 470 questionnaires for analysis. We have been able to isolate what matters in relation to housing and mental health in our Iranian cohort.

My findings suggest that some indicators of neighbourhood physical disorder—specifically the presence of noise, graffiti, and vandalism—are associated with a greater risk for some mental health problems in children, while markers of neighbourhood physical order—neighbourhood cleanliness and well-cared-for dwellings—may have a protective effect.

Our study focuses on active and independent mobility of children in a car-free settlement which can be promising for developing policies for a child-friendly urban future and mobility justice for children. The outputs of this study can bridge the gap between vehicle-oriented and non-vehicle-oriented settlements and enable the transfer of good experiences.

How can cities like Brussels and Malta overcome barriers to active mobility and create healthier, more sustainable urban environments? Discover the challenges, strategies, and key insights from local stakeholders on paving the way for a transformative future of mobility. Through interviews with key stakeholders, we explore solutions like citizen involvement and organisational changes that can drive urban transformation and support sustainable, active mobility.

We worked with 82 primary school children (aged 9-10) from four schools and neighbourhoods in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Through focus group discussions, we asked them to share their travel experience in their neighbourhoods. Using age-appropriate maps and playful stickers, we gathered insights into their experiences, to identify patterns in what children need from their neighbouhoods. In addition, we mapped their comments to specific locations to better understand the relationships between the built environment features and children’s experiences.

What makes a city truly healthy? This study engaged experts worldwide to identify 144 key indicators across social, economic, environmental, legal, technological, and commercial determinants of health—offering a practical roadmap for India’s mission to build 500 healthy, inclusive, and sustainable cities.

For perestrain-friendly cities, many studies have tried to show the positive outcomes with different quantitative and qualitative analyses worldwide. However, there are almost no studies that focus on citizens' points of view and how they experience these positive outcomes. Our study aims to fill this gap. We show that designing walkable cities can change people's perception of space and have positive effects.

We interviewed ten municipal officials and 23 residents in four Arab towns, and observed five outdoor gyms. We wanted to understand how outdoor gyms are perceived, what barriers limit their use, and what strategies could make them more effective. This was the first study of its kind in Arab towns in Israel, but it also speaks to underserved communities worldwide where informal urban development and limited resources shape access to healthy environments.