Neighborhood walkability and the association with children mental health and behavioral difficulties : results from the ELFE cohort

Cette session sera présentée en anglais par Devin Parker, discutée par Eloi Chazelas et animée par Mélissa Arneton.

An environmental concept gaining momentum in the context of health outcomes and  social disadvantage is neighborhood walkability. Walkability is distinct from other neighborhood characteristics commonly studied (i.e. socioeconomic factors) and has been argued to be a more comprehensive summary of the built and social environment. Although walkability is known to be associated with obesity in adults, there is a paucity of data evaluating its association with health outcomes in children. In particular, little is known regarding the possible association with children’s mental health. Walkability and the built environment may have implications on long-term health outcomes, beginning in childhood.

This project uses data from ELFE at age 5.5 years old. Walkability is defined by three parameters: population density, street connectivity, and land-use mix. To approximate walkable areas, 500-meter buffer zones were created around each participants address using a geographic information system. Children’s mental health was assessed using parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. After conducting multivariable weighted linear regression, our findings show a significant relationship between children’s mental health and neighborhood walkability. Compared to children residing in neighborhoods with low walkability, those living in highly walkable areas were significantly less likely to present symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention and children residing in highly walkable areas were also significantly less likely to report peer relationship problems.  Future work should include more environmental characteristics including access to greenspace, air pollution and heat concentrations, as well as neighborhood deprivation to better understand contexts that carry risk or are protective of children’s mental health.