261840 Review of Canadian policy on social determinants of health

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Shweta Pathak, MPH , Management , Policy and Community Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX
M. David Low, MD, PhD , Management, Policy and Community Health, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX
Luisa Franzini, PhD , Management, policy and community health, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX
J. Michael Swint, PhD , Management , Policy and Community Health, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX
     
Objective: To assess the social and fiscal policies related to social determinants of health at the federal level in Canada. Methods: An extensive review of grey literature was carried out to obtain information about policies and programs that address socio-economic factors influencing population health. Publications and reports on government websites such as Service Canada and non-government organizations such as UNICEF were examined in order to evaluate current socio-economic policy related to social determinants of health in Canada. Results: Canada has generated a substantial body of research in the area of social determinants of health. Several policies and some programs directed towards social determinants, such as income distribution, childhood care and development, education, employment and housing, have been implemented in Canada on the national level. Conclusion: Canada has made progress in some areas of social determinants of health-related policy formulation and implementation, but less than would be expected given the significant contributions of Canadian researchers to the field. All levels of governance must work together to address the gaps between research and policy development related to key social determinants of health throughout the country.

Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1.Demonstrate the importance of social determinants in improving the health of communities 2.Assess key areas where Canada has made considerable progress in SDOH policy and areas in need of improvement 3.Describe reasons for the substantial gap between SDOH research and policy translation in Canada

Keywords: Public Policy, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a PhD student with an educational background in public health. I have researched this area under the guidance of Dr. Swint, Dr. Low and Dr. Franzini who have worked and published in the area of social determinants of health and policy for several years now. Dr. Low has been actively involved in the area of Canadian health policy for over 20 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5136.0: Social Determinants of Health