Online Program

291628
Framing the message of equity: What resonates with policy makers and public health professionals on the social determinants of health?


Monday, November 4, 2013 : 5:30 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.

M. Lelinneth Novilla, MD, MPH, Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Brian Berrett, BS Public Health, Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Bryon Davis, BS (c) Public Health, Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Jacob Sypher, BS Public Health, Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Jeanette Johnson, MPH (c), Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Jonathan Shumway, BS (c) Public Health, Department of Health Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Disparities between and within nations and societies increasingly point to the “causes of the causes”---the various social, economic, political, and environmental factors that impact health--- otherwise known as the “social determinants of health” (SDH). However, the practical application of SDH at the state and community levels vary widely given differences in awareness, interest, understanding, and source of health data. The objective is to determine the: (1) level of SDH awareness, interest, and perspectives; (2) preferred format for health information; (3) SDH message framing that resonated best among local policy makers, state legislators, and public health professionals. A survey was given online via Qualtrics, by phone, and by mail. Public health professionals (78%) were most aware of the SDH message compared to state legislators (66%) and local policy makers (51%). In using data for policy and/or practice decisions, state legislators preferred consulting with the Office of Legislative Counsel & Research, other legislators, and constituents. Local policy makers consulted with other policy makers, constituents, and the internet. Public health professionals consulted with the community, policy makers, and state health department. SDH messages framed according to children's health needs resonated best among policy makers while a message emphasizing prevention was favored by public health professionals. Policy makers at all levels need to know more about the social determinants of health. SDH messages framed according to local community needs, using a format and language that people understand, are more likely to resonate across the political spectrum and the public health discipline.

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the level of awareness, perception, and interest on the social determinants of health among policy makers and public health professionals. Describe the preferred format in which policy makers and public health professionals would like to receive and assess health information. Discuss the nuances in message framing that can facilitate shared understanding and shared commitment in addressing the social factors that influence health. Evaluate how framing the social determinants of health message facilitates its reception among policy makers and public health workers.

Keyword(s): Policy/Policy Development, Decision-Making

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a physician and public health practitioner, I have been the principal investigator of multiple studies relating to the social determinants of health (SDH)--particularly how policymakers, public health professionals, and the public view SDH. Through professional presentations, publications, and training seminars, I have taught stakeholders how to access health data, frame the SDH message effectively, and communicate appropriate messages to decision-makers.
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.