Assessing the impact of essential service locations on social hardship: Evidence from Rome

This study investigates the impact of the proximity and accessibility of essential services on social hardship in urban environments, using Rome as a case study. Employing spatial regression analysis on micro-level data, we analyze the relationship between essential services, including healthcare, education, and public transport, and social hardship, measured through the Socio-occupational Distress Index. The results reveal a nuanced relationship between service proximity and social hardship. Specifically, while the proximity of day clinics significantly reduces social hardship both in the local area and adjacent neighborhoods, hospitals and secondary schools exhibit limited effects when not paired with accessible public transport. Notably, the integration of public transport enhances the positive influence of healthcare and education services on well-being. These findings highlight the importance of tailored proximity strategies in urban policy, emphasizing the role of integrated mobility solutions to optimize service distribution and reduce social hardship. Future research should explore the dynamic interplay between service models, socio-economic factors, and sustainable urban planning.