Influences on Health: A Curation

Today I will be sharing three different resources that discuss the many layers effecting health outcomes.

The first resource is from the Federal Government of Canada's Public Health (2013). This resource provides a comprehensive chart outlining the various determinants of health. What makes it particularly useful is when you click the link the evidence provided on the right side of the chart, supports each determinant's role in shaping health outcomes. These determinants collectively influence an individual's health, emphasizing the importance of addressing both lifestyle choices and social factors.

Here's a quick summary of the twelve determinants of health covered in this resource:

Determinant of Health #1	Income and Social Status
Determinant of Health #2	Social Support Netowrks
Determinant of Health #3	Education and Literacy
Determinant of Health #4	Employment
Determinant of Health #5	Social Environments
Determinant of Health #6	Physical Environments
Determinant of Health #7	Personal Health Practices
Determinant of Health #8	Childhood Development
Determinant of Health #9	Biology and Genetics
Determinant of Health #10	Health Services
Determinant of Health #11	Gender
Determinant of Health #12	Culture

The second resource is an infographic (See below) from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) (2018). The CMA is a voluntary physician association that advocates for national health matters. I was unable to find the original source of this infographic as the link was compromised. The secondary source was from an article referenced by Western University. This infographic simplifies the twelve determinants into four main categories using color coding to highlight their significance. Notably, it underscores that 50% of health causation relates to an individual's lifestyle. Some factors, such as race, gender, and disability, have been grouped with influential determinants like education, community bonding, and income, which may be a point of contention. Additionally, it reveals that 25% of illnesses can be attributed to limited access to healthcare. This highlights the need for promoting wellness clinics, remote care, preventive medicine, and expanding Nurse Practitioner coverage, especially considering the shortage of Family MDs.

Andermann (2016) also delves into how physicians and healthcare professionals can incorporate a social determinants of health approach into their practice. The paper identifies various barriers physicians face, including a disease management perspective that focuses on curing diseases rather than holistic care. Stereotyping, discrimination, feeling overwhelmed, and a lack of knowledge about available resources are additional obstacles. To overcome these barriers, it's essential to implement additional resources to support physicians' workloads. Communication from community resources regarding available services and forming partnerships with practices can ensure physicians are informed about relevant programs. Above all, patients should be treated with respect and

dignity, regardless of any stereotypes.

Three resources, one from the federal government, another from a physician committee and the last being an MD from the CMA, all showed the different dynamics of the multi- spheres of health. Subsequently, they all agree on the validation of these factors and the need for change. Common themes emerge from these resources, emphasizing the validated factors influencing health outcomes. These determinants can be categorized into primary groups, with life and lifestyle being the predominant contributors. Healthcare providers must keep these determinants in mind when planning care, not only at an individual level but also at a systemic level.

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Andermann, A. (2019). Taking action on the social determinants of health in clinical practice: a framework for health professionals. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 188(17-18), 474–483. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.160177

Government of Canada. (2013, January 15). What Makes Canadians Healthy or Unhealthy? - Canada.ca. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/population-health/what-determines-health/what-makes-canadians-healthy-unhealthy.html

Steger, A., Macdonald, J., & Thind, A. (2018). Case 12: Housing and Health. A Human Rights Approach to Wellbeing. https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/publichealth/docs/casebook_2018/2018_Case_12.pdf