Social Determinants of Health in Newfoundland & Labrador
What are the social determinants of health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), “the social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life.”
In fact, research shows that the social determinants of health strongly influence a person’s health; more so than the health care system or lifestyle choices, in some cases (WHO, 2023).
Looking at the data
As an applied health and social systems research and evaluation program aimed at improving social and health outcomes in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quality of Care NL has committed to compiling available data to help paint an accurate picture of how social determinants are impacting health in the province.
The following information was compiled from publicly available data sources such as Statistics Canada.
It is Quality of Care NL’s hope that this analysis of the social determinants of health in Newfoundland and Labrador will support the work of the many organizations advocating for change within health and social systems.
The pages below will be updated as new data becomes available.
If you’d like to discuss the data below, or know of other data sources that may be useful, please connect with us at info@qualityofcarenl.ca.
Income
Income is one of the most important social determinants of health. Level of income shapes overall living conditions, affects psychological functioning and influences health-related behaviours. It determines the quality of other social determinants of health, such as food security, housing security and other basic prerequisites of health.
Housing Insecurity
Housing insecurity refers to the inability to secure safe, adequate and affordable housing. Inadequate housing conditions have been associated with numerous physical and mental health conditions.
Food Security
Food Security is the adequate and secure access to nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate food. Food insecurity is a serious public health problem as it can have significant implications for people’s health and well-being beyond just poor nutrition and diet.
Education
People with higher levels of education tend to have better health outcomes. Level of education is highly correlated with other social determinants of health such as level of income, employment security, and working conditions.
Employment
Stable employment, with an adequate income, and safe working conditions leads to better mental and physical health and overall well-being. Unemployment frequently leads to material and social deprivation, psychological stress, and the adoption of health-threatening coping behaviours.
Coming Soon!
Quality of Care NL is currently compiling data on social cohesion and connections, healthy behaviours, safety and security, and more. Check back often as more information is shared!