Social determinants of health are demographics we fall into that have direct and indirect affect on our health, and ability to access health resources. Some are obvious, like wealth; people who can afford certain health related services and care have an easier time staying healthy. But some determinants are not so easy to identify and address, like race or religion. Though these factors should not interfere with getting healthcare in Canada, the reality is they do. To bridge this gap, the concept of health equity becomes a goal for all levels of government, from local public health sectors, to provincial and federal levels. Health equity works to give all people, regardless of determinant, a fair chance at achieving their fullest health potential. The Canadian Mental Health Association identifies social determinants to mental health, with three playing the largest role in shaping our mental health: freedom from discrimination and violence, social inclusion, and access to economic resources. You can learn more about how these three factors shape mental health in Canada, and what you can do to help mitigate them at their website! (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2008)
The following is an interactive map for the province of Ontario that provides information regarding certain determinants, like ethnic concentration, residential instability, EI use, employment, and material dependency. Using census data from each associated years, the categories are separated into quintiles, from least to most. The goal of this map is to help provide evidence to ensure better understanding of the distribution of determinants across the province. Check out the map here! Additionally, their website has articles regarding specific topics related to health equity and addressing certain determinants to health, which can be found here! (Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, 2020).
The Ontario Government's website also identifies determinants of health and health inequalities, as well as some of their initiatives and funding opportunities to combat these determinants. You can also find their interactive data tool to view determinants by category, province, biological sex, and age, to name a few. You can check it out here! (Ministry of Health, 2019).
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