The factors influencing urban health in Jakarta Province during Covid-19 outbreak

Abstract

The rapid urbanization in Jakarta has given rise to a wide range of urban problems, characterized by an imbalance between the population growth rate and urban resources. This imbalance has resulted in a decline in the quality of urban services, making the population highly venerable to diseases, particularly during and after the Covid-19 outbreak. Relevant studies have indicated that variables related to infrastructure, social and economic determinants can affect urban health. However, the literature exploring the relationship between health determinants and urban health from an urban planning perspective is still limited. The aim of the research is to examine the relationship between health determinants and urban health in Jakarta Province during the Covid-19 outbreak. The study employed Partial Least Square (PLS) path modeling using smartPLS software, while data were collected through questionnaires administered to 317 Jakarta residents. The results showed that urban health determinants, represented by the built environment/infrastructure and social determinants, significantly and positively impacted the physical health of Jakarta residents. However, the urban health determinants insignificant on the mental health of Jakarta residents during Covid-19. It was also found that built environment/infrastructure had a greater influence on physical health than other determinants. This impact was significant for both neighborhoods that are well-resourced and under-resourced. The influence of the social determinant on physical health significantly varied between these neighborhoods. This research emphasized the importance of stakeholders focusing on improving the population’s quality of life and health through the built environment/infrastructure and social determinants.