Nurtr 230 module 8-determinants of health

§Early definitions of health were the absence of disease; body working well

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§World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health (1948)

§Health is multidimensional

§“State of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease of infirmity”

There are complaints with the bottom def. its not measurable and says complete and nothing is complete it's also vague

§“..the ability to identify and to realize aspirations, to satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment. Health is therefore a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capabilities.”

§“A disorder or medical condition affecting a system or organ. The condition can be mental, physical, or genetic in origin. Disease also refers to a deviation from how the body normally functions.” (V Thompson)

§"Why is Jason in the hospital?

§Because he has a bad infection in his leg.

§But why does he have an infection?

§Because he has a cut on his leg and it got infected.

§But why does he have a cut on his leg?

§Because he was playing in the junk yard next to his apartment building and there was some sharp, jagged steel there that he fell on.

§But why was he playing in a junk yard?

§Because his neighborhood is kind of run down. A lot of kids play there and there is no one to supervise them.

§But why does he live in that neighborhood?

§Because his parents can't afford a nicer place to live.

§But why can't his parents afford a nicer place to live?

§Because his Dad is unemployed and his Mom is sick.

§But why is his Dad unemployed?

§Because he doesn't have much education and he can't find a job.

§But why …?"

Health isn’t determined by just access to healthcare its lots of determinants, many factors go into health status

§Previously, the quantity and quality of health services available to a population was thought to be the main factor in determining their health

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§In 1974, Marc Lalonde (federal Health and Welfare Minister) prepared a report on the health of Canadians that changed the way health was thought of in Canada

§Human Biology

§Environment

§Lifestyle

§Health Care Organization

§“broad range of personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine individual and population health”

§“specific group of social and economic factors within the broader determinants of health. These relate to an individual's place in society, such as income, education or employment. Experiences of discrimination, racism and historical trauma are important social determinants of health for certain groups such as Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ and Black Canadians.”

§Income and social status

§Employment and working conditions

§Education and literacy

§Childhood experiences

§Physical environments

§Social supports and coping skills

§Healthy behaviours

§Access to health services

§Biology and genetic endowment

§Gender

§Culture

Race / Racism

§No single determinant of health is responsible for the health of a population

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§Each determinant of health is important and the determinants of health are related to one another

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§All determinants of health combined determine health status

§There is a need to consider each determinant of health, as well as the ties that join them

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§Determinants of health are areas where action could improve health

§(“differences in health status of individuals and groups”) are often attributable to the determinants of health

§refers to “health inequalities that are unfair or unjust and modifiable.” - northern communities don’t have fresh fruit and vegetables that are affordable

is the “absence of unfair systems and policies that cause health inequalities. Health equity seeks to reduce inequalities and to increase access to opportunities and conditions conducive to health for all.” want this