Determinants of Health and it's Inequalities

The health of an individual and the population are influenced by a variety of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors (Government of Canada, 2020). Canada being a G7 country is considered one of the healthiest worldwide. However even within Canada there are large variances in the health status of our population. These variances are known as the determinants of health.

The Government of Canada (2020), has outlined the following factors as determinants of health in Canada:

· Income & social status

· Education

· Physical Environment

· Employment & Working Conditions

· Social Support Network

· Culture

· Genetics

· Personal Behaviours & Lifestyle choices

· Access to Health services

· Gender

· Race

It is evident that some individuals have a better chance of obtaining good health due to beneficial factors such as a higher income, social status, better education, possessing employment, proper & safe housing, strong social support system, and better access to health services. This leads to the concept of health inequity which exists within our country. Health inequity is defined as the health inequalities related to the determinants of health that are unfair, unjust, and modifiable (Government of Canada, 2020). As a nation we need to develop and provide programs that can improve and equally distribute the determinants of health (Islam, 2019).

As discussed in my previous blog, the world’s population is aging at a rapid pace. With the aging population comes a natural increase in the number of chronic conditions present. However, there are also other factors that can increase the incidence of chronic diseases. Determinants of health have been linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory, disease, diabetes and cancer in Canada (Gore & Kothari, 2012). Studies have shown that individuals that live in lower income neighbourhoods often experience significantly higher rates of chronic diseases and die several years earlier than those that live in higher income areas (Gore & Kothari, 2012). Utilizing Canada’s Health Inequalities Data tool, a strong correlation can be seen between income and the mortality rate of individuals with ischemic heart disease as seen below (Government of Canada, 2021).

(Government of Canada, 2021)

It is evident that Canada must not only improve health equity but also implement preventative initiatives focused on promoting and increasing accessibility to healthy diets, increased physical activity and prevention of alcohol & drug abuse to ultimately help individuals achieve a healthier lifestyle.

References

Gore, D., & Kothari, A. (2012). Social determinants of health in Canada: Are healthy living initiatives there yet? A policy analysis. International Journal for Equity in Health, 11(41), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-9276-11-41

Government of Canada. (2021). Health Inequalities Data Tool [Image]. Canada. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/health-inequalities/data-tool/index

Government of Canada. (2020, October 7). Social determinants of health and health inequalities. Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/population-health/what-determines-health.html

Islam, M.M. (2019). Social Determinants of Health and Related Inequalities: Confusion and Implications. Frontiers in Public Health, 7(11), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00011

World Health Organization. (2017, February 3). Determinants of health. WHO. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/determinants-of-health