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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Sean E. McIntyre, PhD (Cand) and Sorina O. Vlaicu, MD, MPH, PhD. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Western Ontario, Kresge Building, Room K201, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada, (519) 661-2111 ext. 86258, smcinty9@uwo.ca

Introduction There are three recognized approaches to linking socio-economic factors and health: use of census data, GIS-based measures of accessibility/availability, and resident self-reports on neighborhood conditions. This research focuses on residents' views about their neighborhoods, identifying problems, and proposing policy solutions.

Methods A telephone survey of 658 London, Ontario residents is currently being conducted to assess: community resource availability, quality, access and use; participation in neighborhood activities; perceived quality of neighborhood; neighborhood problems and cohesion. Thirty city planning districts are used to define neighborhoods. Responses will be compared within and across neighborhoods and linked with census information to study variation across socio-economic and demographic groups. Linear and GIS-based methods will be used for analysis.

Preliminary Results The survey follows a qualitative study looking at how experts involved in community resource planning and administration and city residents perceive availability, accessibility, and quality of community resources linked to neighborhood health and wellbeing. A survey pre-test ensured that language and content reflected real experiences of city residents. The qualitative research confirmed our hypothesis that planning districts are an acceptable surrogate for neighborhood.

Conclusions This study evaluates where community resources are in need of improvement, thus contributing to more effective allocation of public funds. Engaged neighborhoods with a strong sense of community are more likely to respond to health programs and interventions. This study allows London residents to better understand the needs of their neighborhoods and provides a research foundation to support local understanding of community improvement with the goal of promoting healthy neighborhoods.

Learning Objectives: Following this presentation, participants will be able to

• Identify challenges in researching the relationship between socio-economic factors and health at the neighborhood level.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of utilizing survey research methodology in studies of resident’s perception of community resources and neighborhood health and well-being.
• Discuss potential public health interventions and policy implications of the research findings.

Keywords: Urban Health, Community Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation