DOI: 10.25136/2409-7144.2019.6.29868

Abstract: This article presents a theoretical analysis of sociological discourse on the inequality with regards to health. The author discusses the positions of the World Health Organization, foreign and Russian sociologists. The subject of this research is the inequality with regards to health, particularly, the specific use of the term. Inequality with regards to health is applicable not to any difference in health condition, but a certain type of the potentially preventable differences in health condition or significantly affecting health, which may be determines by the state policy. The article reveals the importance of social gradient in the formation of differences in health among the representatives of social groups. It is noted that for establishing “inequality with regards to health” it is necessary distinguish the difference in health condition among the groups with various levels of basic social benefits, considering that the groups with diminished opportunities and access to social benefits have the lowest health indicators. The author underlines the close link between the sustainable vector of policy towards the development of society and social justice with regards to health and wellbeing. Taking into account that the policy and socioeconomic strategy of the state are the source of potential for improving health and wellbeing of each citizen, and reducing the gap in health condition among different social groups. The conclusion is made that there is a need for the targeted comprehensive state policy of public health (considering the dependence on the political ideology, history and culture), improvement of administrative mechanism, development of institutional and civic potential in order to eliminate inequality with regards to health.

DOI: 10.7256/2310-8673.2019.3.30083

Abstract: This article presents the analysis of sociological discourse on the fundamental aspects of the “Healthy Cities” project; discusses the peculiarities of the World Health Organization “Healthy Cities” strategy; technologies of formation of the created on its basis programs on preservation of health of the urban population. The importance of the political and legislative factor impacting people’s health and inequality with regards to health maintenance is revealed. The subject of this research is the projects aimed at preservation of health of the city dwellers and overcoming of inequality related to health, developed on the basis of the World Health Organization “Healthy Cities” concept. The author applies the theoretical-methodological analysis, secondary data analysis of the sociological study “Moscow is a Healthy City” (Russian Public Opinion Research Center, 2018)’; as well as survey results, conducted by the author in 2013 and 2017 among the schoolers, university students, and their parents of Tyumen Region, on the questions of health maintenance. The main conclusion consists in consideration of the socio-biological gradient in formation of inequalities with regards to health among the representatives of different social groups. The author emphasizes the effectiveness of the “Healthy Cities” project in Moscow; as well as discusses the strategies on preservation of health among the population of Tyumen Region. The results of the conducted sociological study on living a healthy lifestyle demonstrate an accurate correlation between the increasing level of education and the number of those adopting a healthy lifestyle. Such project is relevant for not only large cities, but also rural areas with certain adjustment to the local specificities and tasks.