Creation of synthetic homogeneous neighbourhoods using zone design algorithms to explore relationships between asthma and deprivation in Strasbourg, France

► Accurately characterising neighbourhood is critical for public health policy. ► We present a synthetic neighbourhood design for Strasbourg, France. ► New synthetic zones perform better than existing census spatial units. ► Improved statistical relationships between Asthma and deprivation are reported. ► Confounding effects of heterogeneous neighbourhood deprivation on asthma are reduced.