Protocol and results of HOTCities project on gentrification, touristification and health in Portugal

Background

Gentrification and touristification are rapidly transforming cities worldwide. However, evidence on their health impacts in Portugal remains limited. The HOT-Cities project examines the health effects of neighbourhood change across Portuguese cities. This abstract presents the project protocol and preliminary findings from the adaptation and validation of the Portuguese Perceptions About Change in Environment and Residents scale (PACER).

Methods

HOT-Cities is a nationwide cross-sectional survey funded by La Caixa, targeting a representative sample adults living in Portuguese cities with 10,000 or more inhabitants. The survey includes validated scales assessing neighbourhood change, quality of life, mental health, loneliness, chronic conditions, and health-related behaviours. Multilevel regression will examine associations between urban change and health outcomes. Preliminary analyses included 255 urban adults. Exploratory factor analysis assessed dimensionality and reliability.

Results

Participants (mean age 40.9; 51.0% male) reported substantial neighbourhood change, particularly increases in housing costs (mean=1.82, SD = 0.47). Feeling welcome in commercial establishments was common (3.82, 0.90), whereas perceived housing affordability was lower (2.52, 1.36). Factor analysis supported a 3-factor structure reflecting positive feelings about change, social and economic changes, and fear of change or displacement. Internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach’s alpha 0.72 to 0.78). Positive perceptions of neighbourhood change were associated with better quality of life (ρ = 0.278, p < 0.01) and self-rated health (0.196, p < 0.01). Less fear was also associated with better quality of life (0.140, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

HOT-Cities will generate nationwide evidence on the health impacts of urban change in Portugal. The results support the validity of the Portuguese PACER scale and its potential application in other European cities after appropriate adaptation.

Key messages

• HOT-Cities provides the first nationwide evidence on how gentrification and touristification affect health and well-being across Portuguese cities.

• The Portuguese PACER scale is a valid tool to measure residents’ perceptions of neighbourhood change relevant to health and urban policy.