The Determinants of Health

The Determinants of Health Name of Student Institution Affiliation The Determinants of Health There is a fundamental and proven belief that health is an important and valuable ‘good’ that allows people to flourish in what they, both at individual and group level. Improving healthcare systems, access to improved essential healthcare services and providing universal healthcare coverage to Canadians is critical to relieving ailing patients and promoting dignity to the people of Canada. However, dealing with individual health and treating illnesses is just a small segment of health. Health is also comprised of other critical issues namely public health, population health and the health of societies. Determinants of health are essential components of health that must be addressed and understood to facilitate effective overall population health. There are multiple determinants of health that need to be extensively studied and understood in a bid to improve population health. Canada was an early leader in addressing the determinants of health. The Lalonde report of 1974 centered mainly on four main elements that comprise the health field concept, i.e., human biology, lifestyle, healthcare systems and environment (Glouberman and Millar, 2003). In addressing determinants of health, the report called for inter-sectoral collaborations to using multiple interventions approaches such as health education, social marketing, increased research, community development as well as legislative and public health policy initiatives (Glouberman and Millar, 2003). By addressing these determinants of health, the majority of Canadians are assured of better health, at a national level. Research has shown that there are many determinants of health and some are more important than others. For example, social determinants of health can be more critical than even healthcare or lifestyle choices in terms of influencing individual and community health (Mikkonen and Raphael 2010). The following determinants of health have been identified and addressed as follows: The social-economic Environment Income/ Income Distribution and Social Status Research has shown that income distribution and social status is the most crucial determinant of health. As a determinant of health, income and social status play a critical part in determining the health of populations. Notably, access to quality healthcare improved at each step up the ladder of social status and increased income (Health Canada, 2001). Further, research has shown that society with higher incomes, equitable income distribution and high social status generally enjoy better healthcare and are healthier as compared to other populations (Health Canada, 2001; Glouberman and Millar, 2003; Mikkonen and Raphael, 2010). Increased income and higher social status are directly proportional to health. As a social determinant of health, income is the most critical factor of health. Mikkonen and Raphael (2010, p.12) observe that income distribution shapes the entire living conditions of a person, their psychological functioning and also influence behaviors related to their health such as quality of diet they partake, the person’s physical activity, cigarette smoking and consumption of excessive alcohol. The importance of income distribution in Canada cannot be ignored due to the increasing health inequality experienced in the recent past. The growing income inequality in Canada is observed when 60 percent of families in Canada experienced a reduction in market incomes whereas just 20 percent of the Canadian families experienced growth. The income discrepancy has seen the middle class shrink with an increase in families getting rich or poor in Canada between 1980 and 2005 (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2008). By equating the growing income inequality to the population health, more need to be done to bridge the gap of income inequality that translates to improved health for Canadians. Education The level of education determines the literacy levels when it comes to health and health awareness. Education, as a determinant of health, has multiple benefits that translate to improved healthcare (Health Canada, 2001). For example, high levels of education and literacy enhance the opportunities for income and job security. Further, an individual with a high education level has a sense of control over various circumstances in life, all of which influence health (Health Canada, 2001). Conversely, a lack of education can affect an individual’s health negatively. Education also enhances an individual’s overall literacy and comprehension on the appropriate ways to improve their health by adopting various actions that can improve health. Mikkonen and Raphael (2010) contend that persons with higher levels of education achieve greater abilities and have more resources to lead healthier lifestyles. Gore and Kothari (2012) also assert that higher levels of education and literacy are directly correlated to increased levels of income, secure of tenure and better working conditions, all of which are critical in determining an individual’s health. Generally, education is a crucial factor that determines health both at an individual and community level. Social Support Networks Social support networks are essential determinants of health. Individuals who receive support from their families, friends and the community, in general, are generally healthier than individuals without such support (Health Canada, 2001). Studies have shown that inclusion in social groups has a significant influence on individual’s health and also has crucial links in health risk factors such as smo...