Built environment and cardiovascular health in Latin American urban neighborhoods

Qualitative evaluation and adaptation of a conceptual framework

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the relationship between the built environment and cardiovascular health in Latin American urban neighborhoods, focusing on San José, Costa Rica. Through semi-structured interviews with various international and local stakeholders related to urban health, challenges and opportunities in promoting cardiovascular health were identified. The results revealed challenges such as urban spatial fragmentation and car prioritization, as well as opportunities such as active mobility and quality public spaces. The findings were contrasted with a previous evaluation framework, adapting it to the Latin American context and highlighting characteristics of the built environment, such as education and accessibility to health services, which can be used as indicators depending on the availability of local information. This methodological adaptation process incorporates diverse multidisciplinary perspectives, strengthening the applicability and effectiveness of the framework in different Latin American urban contexts. The study underlines the need for evidence-based urban planning and interdisciplinary collaboration to create healthier cities. Although the residents perspective was excluded, the research provides valuable information for decision-making and future research in the region, that promote interventions in plans and programs for the transformation of cities based on SDGs 3 and 11.