INT 904 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Infant Mortality, Health Equity
1 Jun 2018
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Health Promotion Module 3: Summary of Readings
A. Mikkonen, J., & Raphael, D. (2010). Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian
Facts. Toronto: York University School of Health Policy and Management.
• According to Mikkonen & Raphael, “the primary facts that shape the health of
Canadians are not medical treatments or lifestyle choices but rather the living
conditions they experience. These conditions have come to be known as the social
determinants of health” (Mikkonen & Raphael, 2010, p. 7).
• According to authors → Canadians are largely unaware that our health is shaped by
how income and wealth is distributed, whether or not we are employed, and if so, the
working conditions we experience. Furthermore, our well- being is also determined
by the health and social services we receive, and our ability to obtain quality
education, food and housing, among other factors.
• in most cases these living conditions are imposed upon us by the quality of the
communities, housing situations, our work settings, health and social service
agencies, and educational institutions with which we interact.
• According to the author → income is the most important social determinant of health
-- level of income shapes overall living conditions → p. 12
• The authors emphasize that the current Canadian government policies are
insufficient for ensuring that long-term mental and physical health of seniors.
• Drastic measures to increase the social safety net, education, outreach, and
housing of seniors is necessary to ensure a comfortable and productive later
stage of life. Lower income households are disproportionately affected by
these factors, and as such they recommend that the government invest heavily
into solving those problems.
B. Public Health Agency of Canada. (2003). What Determines Health?
• In addition to our individual genetics and lifestyle choices, where we are born, grow,
live, work and age also have an important influence on our health.
• Determinants of health → there’s 12; the broad range of personal, social, economic
and environmental factors that determine individual and population health
• Social determinants of health→ refers to a 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 or historical trauma are also important social
determinants of health for certain groups such as Indigenous Peoples.
• Health inequities in Canada
• some Canadians are healthier and have more opportunities to lead a healthy
life.
• These differences can be due to your genes and the choices you make.
• For example, whether you exercise or drink alcohol. However, the social
determinants of health can also have an important influence on health. For
example, Canadians with higher incomes are often healthier than those with
lower incomes.
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Document Summary
Health promotion module 3: summary of readings: mikkonen, j. , & raphael, d. (2010). Toronto: york university school of health policy and management: according to mikkonen & raphael, the primary facts that shape the health of. Canadians are not medical treatments or lifestyle choices but rather the living conditions they experience. Lower income households are disproportionately affected by these factors, and as such they recommend that the government invest heavily into solving those problems: public health agency of canada. (2003). However, the social determinants of health can also have an important influence on health. For example, canadians with higher incomes are often healthier than those with lower incomes. Health inequalities in canada: current discourses and implications for public health action. Income and social status, the first listed determinant of health by the public. 3: smylie, j. , fell, d. ohlsson, a. & the joint working group on first nations, Indian, inuit and metis infant mortality of the canadian perinatal surveillance.
