The Determinants of Health

In my previous post I discussed the definition of health and what it means to be "healthy". This week in my Philosophical Foundations of Health Systems Course (MHST 601) we were tasked with the assignment of looking at the determinants of health.

The government of Canada lists 12 determinants of health. Below I have summarized some of the key determinants and how they can influence overall health.

Income and Social Status

Level of income shapes overall living conditions, for example housing and the ability to buy good food. Higher income and social status are related to better overall health.

Social Support Networks

Positive relationships with families, friends and communities are associated with better overall health. Having a strong support network allows people to better cope and deal with adversity. It also makes people feel loved, cared for, and valued which can have a protective effect on health. People who are socially isolated are more likely to experience depression and a feeling of worthlessness.

Education and Literacy

Health improves with level of education. Education provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to problem solve and cope with life stressors. It also assists people in making healthier life choices and increases opportunities for job and income security.

Employment and Working Conditions

Employment provides a source of income and the ability to afford housing, food, clothing etc… Generally speaking, having a job is better for health than having no job. Our working conditions are particularly important because of the amount of time we spend in our workplaces. Job security, physical conditions at work, work pace/stress, working hours, and opportunities for expression and development at work all influence health.

Healthy Child Development

Foundations of adult health are set in early childhood. A child’s development is greatly influenced by their housing and neighbourhood, family income, parents’ level of education and access to nutritious food and health services such as dental/medical care.

In closing, what I have learned during my research of this topic is we need to focus more of our attention upstream, on health promotion and disease prevention. We need to continue looking at ways to help bridge the gaps in our health inequities.

I believe that accessibility is a huge factor that affects the health of our citizens. By improving accessibility to jobs, education, health services, parks and recreation centres to name a few we can create a healthier, happier society.

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References

Health Not Health Care-Changing the Conversation. (2010). Government of Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/ministry/publications/reports/cmoh_10/cmoh_10.pdf

Canadian Nurses Association. (2009). Position Statement, Social Determinants of Health. Retrieved from https://www.cna-aiic.ca/~/media/cna/files/en/ps124_social_determinants_of_health_e.pdf

What Determines Health? (2011). Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/population-health/what-determines-health.html

Wilkinson, R., Marmot, M. (2003). World Health Organization. Social Determinants of Health, The Solid Facts, Second Edition. Retrieved from https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=QDFzqNZZHLMC&oi=fnd&pg=PA5&dq=social+determinants+of+health&ots=xVoNeHYPhy&sig=8fhpk8t7QhUMe5XiKwH_ifP6jwA#v=onepage&q=social%20determinants%20of%20health&f=false