A novel methodology (WM-TCM) for urban health examination: A case study of Wuhan in China. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Wei; Wang, Yong; Ren, Yitian; Yan, Hang; Shen, Cong
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 136(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Urban health examination -- Urban diseases -- Quantitative indicator -- Indicator benchmark -- Resident satisfaction -- Wuhan; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.108602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Highlights: WM-TCM based principle is adopted to establish urban health examination methodology. Established methodology incorporates both objective and subjective perspectives. Effectiveness and applicability of methodology are demonstrated via Wuhan's case. Diagnose critical urban diseases and highlight shortages of urban development. Communities' opinion should be better received amid decision-making of urban development. 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.