Public Health and GIS

Abstract

This report explores the relationship between an individual’s mental health and their environment. We observed the mental health visit percentages for certain demographics among Toronto’s 140 neighbourhoods. For this report the main focus was to look at quantifiable measurements. Our research was based on the following comparisons: surrounding environment (neighbourhood access to green space), socioeconomic status (neighbourhoods with low-income families vs. higher income families), and the average distance to a mental health facility by neighbourhood. Our objectives were to discover if there are any connections between the common notions that a person’s affluence, or their access to care or green space has any impact on their mental health. A spatial analysis was also completed, mapping the average distance to a mental health facility by neighbourhood.