Sustainable city

Sustainable city

The Role of Mixed Land use in Urban Health: Acase study of Bojnord City

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Department of Geography, Faculty of Human Science, Kosar University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran
10.22034/jsc.2025.497721.1827
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
Health, as a fundamental need, is and important need, is a multidimensional process influenced by numerous factors and achieved through the collaboration of various fields. One of the critical domains contributing to health is geography and urban planning, which can play a significant role in citizens' well-being and health by designing and planning urban spaces effectively, such as mixed land uses. The integration and diversity of land uses in urban spaces can enhance citizens' health and livability by improving accessibility, encouraging walking and cycling, and increasing social capital. This study aims to examine the role of mixed land use in citizens' health. The research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. Data collection was conducted using survey methods. Initially, the current status of the variables “mixed land use”,”physical activity”, and ”physical health” was analyzed using one-sample t-tests and descriptive indicators. Subsequently, the correlation between these variables was analyzed through inferential tests. The results indicate that the overall condition of the examined variables in Bojnord is unfavorable, with the situation being significantly worse in the outskirts and deprived neighborhoods. Inferential test results show a positive and significant relationship between ”mixed land use” and “physical activity”, as well as between ”physical activity” and ”citizens' health” In conclusion, geography and urban planning can significantly enhance citizens' health by promoting mixed land use and physical activity in urban spaces, thereby alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Health is a multidimensional process influenced by various factors and results from the collaboration of all sectors in society. Geography and urban planning are among the critical fields impacting health, emerging in recent years under concepts like medical geography, health geography, urban health, and healthy cities. Through optimal planning, geography and urban planning can improve living conditions in physical, economic, and social dimensions, thereby playing a crucial role in enhancing citizens' health. Globally, the impact of the physical and built environment on health outcomes is widely recognized. Influential characteristics of the physical environment on urban health include residential location, land use, parks, green spaces, transportation, sidewalks, cycling infrastructure, air and water pollution, informal settlements, housing quality, and recreational, sports, and cultural facilities.A diversity of land uses in urban spaces, with accessible services like stores, retail shops, green spaces, restaurants, healthcare services, educational facilities, recreational spaces, and cultural activities, increases urban appeal and encourages citizens to engage with their neighborhoods. The integration and diversity of land uses can improve livability, health, and satisfaction by promoting accessibility, walking, mobility, social cohesion, social participation, and community vitality.Given the significance of this topic, the current study investigates the role of mixed land use in citizens' health, particularly in Bojnord. The main objective is to explore the relationship between the level of land use diversity and urban health. The specific objectives include:

a) Assessing the status of mixed land use in Bojnord. 
b) Examining the level of physical activity among Bojnord’s citizens. 
c) Evaluating the health status of Bojnord’s citizens. 

d)Analyzing the relationship between mixed land use and urban health. 
Key research questions include: 
- What is the status of “mixed land use”,”physical activity”, and ”citizens' health” in Bojnord’s neighborhoods?
- How can mixed land use influence citizens' physical activity and health?
 
Methodology
This study is descriptive-analytical in nature and applied in purpose. It evaluates and analyzes the degree of mixed land use and its impact on citizens' health. citizens' health. Data collection employed two methods as a literature review for theoretical foundations and questionnaires to assess land use mixing, residents' physical activity, and citizens' health. Data analysis and presentation were conducted using SPSS software (t-tests, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation) and GIS software (interpolation analysis). The sampling method in this research is multi-stage, and the sample size has been estimated using Cochran's formula. According to this formula, the sample size is 382 individuals.
 
Results and discussion
The results of this study showed that, overall, the state of mixed land use in the city of Bojnord is unfavorable. However, this condition is not uniform across the city. The situation is much worse on the outskirts, and the neighborhoods of Bojnord are deprived. Residents on the city's outskirts must travel long distances to access many services and facilities. As a result, they prefer to use vehicles instead of walking or cycling. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the level of physical activity in Bojnord is inadequate, as citizens tend to rely on vehicles rather than walking or cycling. This issue is even more pronounced in the outskirts, where limited access to services and facilities forces residents to travel long distances, making the use of vehicles a necessity. According to inferential statistical tests, there is a significant relationship between the variable “mixed land use”, and the variable ”physical activity”, in neighborhoods with a greater variety of mixed land uses, the level of walking and cycling among residents is higher. Additionally, the results reveal a significant relationship between the variables ”physical activity” and ”citizens' health”, increase in physical activity (walking and cycling) leads to improved physical health among citizens. Those who engage in more physical activity enjoy better physical health.
 
Conclusion
In general, it can be concluded that urban planning can significantly impact citizens' health by creating diverse and mixed land uses in urban spaces, thereby reducing the burden on the healthcare system. Through accurate decision-making, optimal location selection, and appropriate design, proper urban planning can create efficient, attractive, and vibrant urban spaces that draw citizens to public spaces and streets. This approach can promote physical activity, increase social capital, and prevent many physical, psychological, and social illnesses.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
 We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.
Keywords

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