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.

Many people sit on the grass, walk and ride bikes in a green space/park.
Society

An important part of measuring quality of life is gaining an understanding of how people experience their own well-being. How you feel can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities, your relationships, and your overall mental health.

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A man a child hike through a wooded path while wearing backpacks.
Health

Health is more than the absence of disease or injury. It also refers to physical, mental and social well-being and is determined by an individual’s circumstances and environment. A major indicator of well-being is how a person rates their own health status. Similarly, access to health care is fundamental to health and staying well.

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A police car with lights flashing stops another vehicle on a snowy night.
Good Governance

Safety of a community, personal safety, and confidence in institutions and the media, all play significant roles in people’s health and well-being.

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Image of Canadian money, bills and coins, scattered on a table.
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.

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Image of a small model home on a table next to keys.
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.

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Image of many fruits and vegetables
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.

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Image of a person walking between shelves of books in a library.
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.

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Image of a red sign in a window that says "We are hiring. Apply today."
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.

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Social and Health System Clinical Leads
Coming Soon!

Quality of Care NL is compiling more data on the social determinants of health. If you would like to discuss the data included, or know of other data sources that may be useful, please connect with us at info@qualityofcarenl.ca.

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