The value of health in the assessments of Russian megacity residents in the post-pandemic period: The incongruence between intention and behavior

In modern society, after overcoming the difficult epidemiological situation caused by the spread of COVID-19, there is a tendency to increase awareness of the importance of health as one of the key factors affecting the quality of life of individuals. Nevertheless, despite the availability of resources and opportunities to maintain health, a significant part of the population does not demonstrate active actions in this direction. This creates a clear contradiction between the desire of citizens to improve their health and the actual absence of many health-saving practices. This article presents a sociological analysis of attitudes towards health and its importance in the perception of residents of the largest cities of Russia, as well as their practices of health-saving behavior. To achieve this aim, qualitative and quantitative sociological data were used, which were obtained within the framework of a mixed research methodology, the design of "mixing" methods - additional coverage. The results of Monitoring the socio-economic situation and health status of the Russian population for 2022 (n=2939) were used as "quantitative" data. "High-quality" data were obtained as a result of conducting personal semi-formal interviews in 2023-2024 with residents of the three largest cities of Russia - Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod and Perm (n=60). The results of the study indicate that health in postpandemic Russia has become an important value for residents of megacities; however, this is not always reflected in their real behavior. The concept of health as a means to achieve goals displaces its understanding as a basic value. The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to health issues, although new practices have not taken root in the daily lives of Russians. Addictive behavior, low physical and medical activity, poor nutrition and other risky practices are widespread along with the desire of citizens to maintain their health and be healthy. The data obtained allow us to conclude that in order to increase the real value of health and form responsibility for its maintenance, it is necessary to develop and implement systematic and comprehensive measures. These measures should take into account the diversity of the age groups of the population, their educational level, living conditions and access to health infrastructure. Such an approach will contribute to sustainable changes in the behavior of citizens in relation to their health. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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