A novel methodology (WM-TCM) for urban health examination: A case study of Wuhan in China

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has brought the rampant sprawl of cities and various urban diseases have been emerging. How to effectively understand the health status of a city and diagnose the underlying problems of urban development have therefore become a critical issue. Previous studies have not yet provided scientific methodology for urban health examination. This study proposes a novel method (WM-TCM) incorporating objective (quantitative indicator-based examination) and subjective perspective (urban resident satisfaction survey) for urban health examination. A case city of Wuhan in Central China was employed. The results show that: (1) WM-TCM methodology is effective in diagnosing the underlying urban diseases; (2) In Wuhan, the urban issues such as housing price, traffic operation efficiency, property management, solid waste management, and car parking are the critical aspects jeopardizing sustainable urban development. The results also suggest that the opinions and perceptions of urban communities should be well integrated during the decision-making process of urban planning, construction, and management. It would be helpful to diagnose and to prevent urban diseases, and in end to contribute towards healthy and sustainable urban development.