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A fuzzy approach for analysing equitable and sustainable well-being in Italian regions

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International Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives

Recently, the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) and the National Council for Economy and Labor (CNEL) have proposed a measure for the equitable and sustainable well-being called the BES (“Benessere Equo e Sostenibile”). This paper aims to propose an original application of the fuzzy k-means approach to providing an analysis of the Italian regions according to their BES.

Methods

The fuzzy k-means algorithm was used for clustering the Italian regions according to BES data 2015. Afterwards, a principal component analysis was conducted to show and interpret the results.

Results

There is a clear difference between the regions of the North and the South. The only exceptions are represented by Lazio and Abruzzo, which belong to both groups with almost equal degrees of truth. Moreover, Trentino-Alto Adige and Valle d’Aosta exhibit the best condition, whilst Molise is the worst region.

Conclusions

This study reveals that some Italian regions are in a state of backwardness regarding health, environment, minimum economic conditions, subjective well-being, education, employment conditions, social relationships, and working conditions. Therefore, institutions should consider local policies to address these issues.

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Funding

This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Grant Number DER2016-76053R). We are very grateful for the comments and suggestions offered by two anonymous referees and the Associate Editor.

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Correspondence to Salvador Cruz Rambaud.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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The authors also declare that they have read and approved the journal’s regulation regarding the ethical responsibilities and this research is carried out in compliance with the journal’s ethical standards.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Cite this article

Porreca, A., Cruz Rambaud, S., Scozzari, F. et al. A fuzzy approach for analysing equitable and sustainable well-being in Italian regions. Int J Public Health 64, 935–942 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-019-01262-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-019-01262-9

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