Using crowdsourced data to assess the relationship between neighbourhood-level deprivation and the availability of inclusive leisure programmes in Canadian cities

ABSTRACT

Monitoring neighbourhood-level access to resources can inform improved urban health. Big data approaches have shown some promise in capturing access to spatial resources such as green spaces, housing, amongst others. However, it is often difficult to capture resources that are not spatially observable such as programmes. For this project, we linked data from a digital listing of inclusive leisure programmes to data on neighbourhood-level deprivation, to explore the relationship between both factors, and how to strengthen approaches for capturing access to health-promoting programmes. Using cross-sectional secondary data analysis, we linked information on material and social deprivation levels in three major census metropolitan areas of Canada to information on the availability of adaptive leisure programmes as listed on the Jooay App (www.jooay.com). Higher availability of inclusive leisure programmes was directly linked to higher social deprivation and inversely linked to higher material deprivation. Inclusive leisure programmes were more available for populations with physical and intellectual impairments and autism spectrum disorders, than sensory and behavioural challenges. Our study suggests potentially differing relationships between forms of deprivation and the availability of inclusive programs and a need for stronger consideration of disability diversity. We also note considerations for using big data to inform urban health.

KEYWORDS:

• Cities
• disabilities
• child
• physical activity
• neighbourhood
• health

This article is related to:

Research for city practice

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial interests to disclose

Additional information

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This project was funded by the Government of Canada through a Community Accessibility Grant of the Employment and Social Development Canada 1440629 and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through a Strategic Patient-Oriented Research program CHILD-BRIGHT Network in partnership with the Operation Enfant Soleil and the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and partially by the Kids Brain Health Network (Network of Centres of Excellence);CHILD-BRIGHT Canadian Institutes of Health Research Strategic Patient Oriented Research Program [145104].

Notes on contributors

Ebele R.I. Mogo

Ebele R.I. Mogo works on the nexus of research and its application in creating innovations and initiatives for a healthy future. Her training spans community and behavioural health, health systems and policy, and biomedical science. At the University of Cambridge, she explores leverage points for shaping the urban transition for health in African and Caribbean cities. Via her advisory practice ERIM Consulting, she serves as a technical partner for a wide range of organisations on designing systems spanning innovations to enable health-producing economies. She also leads Engage Africa Foundation, a pan-African network focused on promoting the integration of health into development to reduce non-communicable diseases.

Luca Martial

Luca Martial is currently completing his MSc in Public Health at McGill University. As a Visiting Scientist with the Public Health Modelling group of the MRC Epidemiology Unity of the University of Cambridge in 2020, Luca’s work focused on validating the use of street view imaging data to model active travel behaviours in lower- and middle-income countries. His interests revolve around Public Health Data Science, areas of Population Health Surveillance and Urban Systems Modelling. Previously, he has worked as a research assistant in Biostatistics, evaluating statistical tools for adaptive treatment strategies. Other experiences include childhood disability policy research and sports science research.

José A. Correa

José A. Correa is a Faculty Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of McGill University.

Annette Majnemer

Annette Majnemer is an occupational therapist with graduate training from the Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery at McGill University (MSc, PhD). She is currently a Professor at the School of Physical & Occupational Therapy and is an Associate Member of the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology & Neurosurgery at McGill University. Dr. Majnemer’s research interests focus on the developmental, functional and quality of life outcomes of children with disabilities and their determinants. She is a member of the MUHC Research Institute and her research lab is based at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Keiko Shikako

Keiko Shikako’ research focuses on the promotion of healthy living and the human rights of children with disabilities and knowledge translation science and practice. Her research program adopts a participatory approach to engage different stakeholders, including policymakers, children and their families in finding solutions to change the environment, informing policymaking and promoting the participation of children with disabilities in different life roles and activities.