Qualitative research for improving positive health in deprived neighbourhoods

BACKGROUND: There has been increased interest in the concept of ‘Positive Health’ in recent years, as it includes the ability to deal with physical, emotional and social life challenges. We used quantitative data to illustrate the positive health ‘spiderwebs’ for various deprived neighbourhoods. As this data did not provide information on personal experiences and barriers faced, qualitative data from the residents’ point of view were used to complete the positive health spiderweb. METHODS: Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with residents and professionals from eight deprived neighbourhoods in The Hague, The Netherlands were used to supplement quantitative data from a recent national health survey. The interviewed professionals worked in and with the community in the field of health and wellbeing. Participants were asked about what is going well in the neighbourhood and what was needed to improve the health and wellbeing of residents. Transcripts were coded and analysed to identify key themes per neighbourhood. RESULTS: Compared to the average score of the city, the neighbourhood spiderwebs showed unfavourable results on all domains. Interviews with residents and professionals highlighted aspects of the living environment as a priority, such as (useable) green space, environmental safety (traffic, parked cars, safe crossings), lack of (free) space and waste management. These aspects negatively affected the health and exercise habits of the residents. Though data on living environment is collected in national surveys, the qualitative approach provides more detail on the current priorities of residents. CONCLUSIONS: This research shows the key role which living environment plays in the health of people in deprived neighbourhoods. Also, it illustrates the value of using the needs and experiences of residents to shape interventions addressed at improving positive health. KEY MESSAGES: • Addressing health of residents in deprived neighbourhoods of the city of The Hague requires a broader approach that includes environmental factors. • When trying to improve health in neighbourhoods, it is pertinent that existing quantitative data is supplemented with qualitative data from residents themselves.