Effect of urban environment and cultural use of social space on population well-being: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: There is compelling evidence that the urban environment, meaning spaces, relationships and activities, may have a greater impact on individual state of health and on the possibility of increasing or decreasing individual physical and psychological conditions. The tangible urban dimension such as physical infrastructures (e.g. buildings) and the intangible (e.g. interpersonal relationships and leisure and cultural activities) may be considered as possible predictors of short- and long-terms adverse outcomes, increasing the risk for those living in deprived city areas compared to those living in wealthy areas well provided with social and cultural provision. Despite researchers’ findings that the presence or absence of ‘cultural boxes’, such as socially and culturally oriented spaces, buildings, and activities decrease depressive and health criticalities, the fact that such results are validated mostly in their short-term effect and not through a rigorous longitude analysis prevent us making a wide generalization of welfare-strategy results. Methods/design: This cluster randomized trial will test the affect of individual participation in culturally- and socially-related activities on health and well-being, in comparison also with the classic individual determinant, in relation to urban renovation schemes. We will using a questionnaire based on several areas such as individual psychological well-being (PGWBI), individual happiness positioning (Keyes 2 Grossi & Tavano Blessi Scale) and health status perception (SF-12 Health Survey). Secondary outcomes will be related to social capital density (relationships and trust), culture (participation) and religion. The survey will be undertaken in a mid-size Italian city, namely Bologna. Results: In relation to the different elements gathered from the survey, we will present a ranking of the possible determinants of individual well-being as outcomes of the adoption of urban renovation policy such as investments in cultural and social infrastructures and urban dwellers’ involvement in the activities promoted. Furthermore, we will evaluate the net effect of the pure presence or absence of such spaces and activities within deprived urban areas. Conclusions: Cultural and social boxes and activities can play an important role in the urban planning process and management within the social dimension of urban areas in relation to the use of this space and to events enhancing social well-being goals. Attendance at different kinds of events may have a modulating effect on the negative impact of disease occurrence in the maintenance of perceived well-being and might become an important weapon in the policy-development of public decision makers aiming to combat individual and social distress.