Determinants of perceived beneficial impact of a community-university partnership in an urban environment: a cross-sectional survey

Background Community-University Partnerships (CUP) worldwide are a growing field in the collaboration between academia and local communities. In Greece, the University of West Attica, the second largest university in the metropolitan area of Athens, shapes pioneering CUP initiatives. The aim of the present study is to examine potential determinants of perceived beneficial impact of a CUP between the University and the local community in the urban setting. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 581 residents of the Egaleo municipality in the urban agglomeration of Athens, where the University is located (63.9% females). The perceived benefits of the CUP, on various life aspects of the community, were measured by a score derived from a previously validated self-administered 13-item questionnaire which recorded information on various potential determinants, such as sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, awareness and use of municipal and health services as well as evaluation of municipality services. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results The median CUP benefits score was 35 (IQR: 30–39). Higher CUP scores, after adjustment for gender, age, and employment status, were significantly associated with higher educational attainment (adjusted OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.10–2.29; p = 0.013), engagement in recycling (adjusted OR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.50–3.47; p < 0.001), and greater awareness about municipal services and facilities, such as gyms (adjusted OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.24–2.42; p = 0.001), the “Help at Home” program (adjusted OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.14–2.25; p = 0.007), and social services (adjusted OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.04–2.07; p = 0.028). Use of cultural centers also correlated with positive perceptions (adjusted OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.13–2.62; p = 0.012). Conclusion Findings highlight the importance of education attainment, regular engagement in environmentally friendly practices—such as recycling—and awareness/utilization of municipal services and facilities in shaping positive community perceptions toward CUP initiatives. These results also emphasize the need for targeted outreach to less educated and disadvantaged groups within the community, to promote health equity, strengthen community involvement, and the long-term sustainability of CUP initiatives.