The impact of urban agglomeration on public health

Aim. The paper presents a theoretical and methodological study of the impact of urban agglomeration on public health and is aimed at improving the health care system in urbanized areas. Materials and methods. The paper is based on statistical data from the Federal Service for State Statistics in the Chelyabinsk region, official statistics (Municipalities of the Chelyabinsk region. The main socio-economic indicators), and analytical information that reflects the state of the study of agglomeration processes in Russia and abroad. The research methodology is based on the principles of consistency, spatial analysis, and correlation analysis. The authors’ methodology was used in seven municipalities of the Chelyabinsk agglomeration during 2007-2020. Results. The authors identified favorable (healthcare infrastructure) and unfavorable (environmental pollution) factors that affected public health, as well as conditions that prevented the generation of positive agglomeration effects and promoted the negative ones. Conclusion. The results obtained are the basis for management activities and can be used by the authorities at different levels for the development of strategic priorities and mechanisms for the healthcare system.