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Population Health Research
Examples of our Population Health Research
Health Disparities
Child Health
Immunization Coverage Rates
Health Disparity in Saskatoon: Analysis to Intervention
Funding Acknowledgements
Population Health Research
The Public Health Observatory conducts population health research. Population health research investigates: a) health outcomes amongst a group of individuals, including the distribution of these outcomes; and b) the determinants of health. The determinants of health include factors such as:
- income and social status;
- social support networks;
- education;
- employment and working conditions;
- physical and social environments;
- biology and genetic endowment;
- personal health practices and coping skills;
- healthy child development; and
- health services.
Examples of our Population Health Research:
1. Health Disparities A great deal of our research focuses on health disparities and interventions to reduce these disparities. Health disparities are health differences between the most advantaged group in a community (e.g., the wealthiest, the most politically powerful) and other groups. Some health disparities are unavoidable; for example, older people tend to have worse health than younger people. However, health inequity exists when avoidable health disparities occur in a community. Our research aims to promote health equity in the Saskatoon Health Region and beyond.
In 2006, we produced a study that found there were significant and staggering health disparities between certain low-income neighbourhoods and other neighbourhoods in the City of Saskatoon. This study prompted further research and action. (Click here to view the study).
2. Child Health
When the 2006 health disparity study was produced, we asked affected partners and the community for their reactions, and support for interventions or actions that could be taken immediately. The community and affected partners felt that child health should be a priority. As a result, we established a baseline for child health among students in grades 5 through 8 in Saskatoon with the first Student Health Survey in 2007 (n=4093). In October 2008, we administered the second Student Health Survey to 4197 students in grades 5 through 8 in Saskatoon. The data from both Student Health Surveys strongly pointed to areas that required improvement (e.g., mental health, physical activity), so the Saskatoon Health Region worked with the School Boards to introduce mental health and physical activity interventions in five low-income neighbourhoods schools in Saskatoon. Evaluations of these interventions are currently being conducted.
3. Immunization Coverage Rates
Another study we conducted found that the immunization coverage rates for two-year-old children in certain low-income neighbourhoods were significantly lower than for two-year-old children from other neighbourhoods in Saskatoon (click here to view the published article). To address this disparity, Public Health Services, Saskatoon Health Region introduced an intervention. The ‘immunization reminders project’ involves contacting the parents/guardians of 14-month-olds and 20-months olds who are behind in their immunization schedule. Since the introduction of the ‘immunization reminders project’ and other interventions, immunization coverage rates among two-year-olds have increased in all areas of the Health Region.
4. Health Disparity in Saskatoon: Analysis to Intervention Report
Another example of our research informing policy and practice is the report, Health Disparity in Saskatoon: Analysis to Intervention. The policy options included in this report have informed the development of an Action Plan to Reduce Poverty in Saskatoon, an initiative being led by community members and the Saskatoon Regional Intersectoral Committee.
Other examples of our research informing policy and practice can be found at: http://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/your_health/health_matters/health_matters_051610.htm
Funding Acknowledgements
A large portion of our research program is grant-based. We would like to acknowledge the following funders:
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