Urban Health at a Glance in Italy by PASSI and PASSI d’Argento Surveillance Systems Data

Abstract

(1) The percentage of the world’s urban population is 56% and is expected to reach 68% by 2050. In this study, we have investigated the dimensions of individual health by relating them to the type of residing municipality. (2) We also analyzed the health status, prevention, lifestyle, and elderly conditions in illustrated from PASSI and PASSI d’Argento (PdA) surveillance systems data by estimating the prevalence rates and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for different municipal residences. (3) Urban areas negatively influence some health outcomes, such as respiratory system diseases (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.18–1.30). With regards to the spontaneous participation in screening programs from female adults residing in urban areas, we observed ORs of 1.24 (1.13–1.37) and 1.30 (1.12–1.39) for breast and uterine cervix cancers, respectively. Urban contexts seem to promote healthy lifestyles, as there is a lower consumption of alcohol in both adult (0.92; 0.88–0.95) and elderly populations (0.85; 0.77–0.94), although sedentary life is more widespread. Compared to elderly residents living in rural settings, urban individuals find their neighborhood less safe and are less considered as a “resource”. (4) Urban areas promote some unhealthy conditions but can also be a valuable source of services and perspectives. According to the increasing urban population, public health policies towards implementing sustainable development should be established.