Research summary
Social determinants of health are the societal conditions—such as socio-economic status, education, neighbourhood, and access to health care—that influence people’s health. Across Canada, people experience these determinants differently, with vulnerable groups more likely to develop various health problems, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders. As Canada Research Chair in Social and Health Inequities, Dr. Roman Pabayo is investigating how social inequities, including access to public health care, influence health.
Along with building new public health databases, he and his research team are assessing the impacts of social determinants on health inequities within schools, neighbourhoods and jurisdictions served by public health units. They are also identifying how social inequities influenced health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, their findings could support the development of policies that will improve population health and decrease health inequities, especially among vulnerable populations.