Insights from sociological theory to enhance urban health research and practice

Urban health is a growing area of interest, yet much of the existing research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains rooted in frameworks developed for rural contexts.
The recently published paper authored by Ms Sanjana Santosh and Prof Sumit Kane, A Critical Review of Literature and a Conceptual Framework for Organising and Researching Urban Health and Community Health Services in Low- and Middle-income Countries, takes a fresh approach by engaging with insights from sociology to unpack the unique challenges of urban contexts.
Ms Sanjana Santosh and Prof Sumit Kane critically interrogate the current literature using theoretical insights from sociology to analyse urban CHW programs. They identify key urban features, such as heterogeneity, precarious work and living conditions, secondary social ties and spaces, visibility and anonymity, and crime and insecurity, that shape the health dynamics in urban areas but have yet to be systematically included in the mainstream urban health research and analysis. They explore the importance and implications of these key features of the city for urban health programs in particular and for urban community health practice broadly.
Based on the analysis, a conceptual framework is proposed providing guiding questions on how "community" and "community health programs" can be understood and reimagined in urban settings. This framework aims to guide researchers and practitioners in addressing the complexities of urban health, ensuring that health services in LMIC cities are equitable, context-sensitive, and responsive to the diverse needs of urban populations. This work has been long overdue, born from interdisciplinary exploration and a commitment to addressing the realities of urban health.
Prof Sumit Kane heads Nossal Institute's Social & Economic Determinants of Health team. His research focus is on low and middle-income country societies and health systems transitioning to a post-service availability phase. Sanjana Santosh is an interdisciplinary public health researcher undertaking a PHD at University of Melbourne, under Prof Sumit Kane.