Vulnerability in recreational settings: the city of Porto, Portugal

Between April and June 2015 a data collection process took place that aimed to contribute to the characterization of vulnerability in recreational settings in the city of Porto. These data contribute to a larger project that aims to characterize vulnerability in a number of Portuguese and Portuguese speaking cities. A total of 7 Porto nightlife areas were observed, including 4 downtown Porto sites (Piolho - outdoors, Piolho – indoors, Galerias – indoors, Túnel de Ceuta – indoors and outdoors), the Ribeira area, a party at a disco associated with university students at an industrial area, and a large scale annual festival for university students (Queima das Fitas). Data include over 53 images (photo voice), n=11 structured interviews, n=7 structured observation instruments and content of 1 focus group (world café) with participation of n=11 young adults (ages 20-28, graduate or post- graduate students, or recently graduated professionals). Data were analyzed through a content analysis procedure that identified vulnerability dimensions and recommendations offered to deal with those vulnerabilities. Ideal nights to go out varied from Thursday to Monday. The considerable growth of tourists in the city was identified as a major factor for the recent increase of nightlife offer.