Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de santé publique
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Can J Public Health · Jan 2013
Getting to the root of the problem: health promotion strategies to address the social determinants of health.
Although extensive research shows that the social determinants of health influence the distribution and course of chronic diseases, there is little programming in public health that addresses the social determinants as a disease prevention strategy. This paper discusses different types of health promotion initiatives and differentiates them based on whether they attempt to impact intermediate (environmental) determinants of health or structural determinants of health. ⋯ Specifically, the former has more potential to create significant improvements in health, contribute to long-term social change and increase health equity. We urge public health leaders to take this distinction into consideration during public health program planning, and to build capacity in the public health workforce to tackle structural mechanisms that lead to poor health and health inequities.
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Can J Public Health · Jan 2013
Recruiting doctors from and for underserved groups: Does New Brunswick's initiative to recruit doctors for its linguistic minority help rural communities?
Within health care, there are underserved groups. New Brunswick's French-speaking minority, which also mostly lives in rural communities, is one such group. A physician shortage potentially prevents this population from accessing health promotion and clinical prevention services. This study analyzes whether New Brunswick Francophone doctors with rural backgrounds are more likely than doctors from urban regions to set up practice in rural communities of the province. ⋯ Although Francophone doctors with a rural background were more likely than their urban counterparts to set up their first practice in a rural community, this effect was not sustained. This raises questions as to why they leave rural communities and highlights the importance of measures to retain doctors as a way to promote public health for underserved rural groups.
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Can J Public Health · Jan 2013
Health-related quality of life of Canadian Forces veterans after transition to civilian life.
Describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of former Canadian Forces (CF) men and women in uniform (Veterans) after transition to civilian life, and compare to age- and sex-adjusted Canadian norms. ⋯ HRQoL varied across a range of biopsychosocial factors, suggesting possible protective factors and vulnerable subgroups that may benefit from targeted interventions. These findings will be of interest to agencies supporting Veterans in transition to civilian life and to researchers developing hypotheses to better understand well-being in Canadian Veterans.
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Can J Public Health · Jan 2013
[The priorities for research on the health of Francophones in Ontario].
Several studies have demonstrated the health inequity between Francophones in minority-language communities (FMLC) and their English counterparts. While Ontario has the largest number of FMLC in Canada, health research priorities for FMLC have not yet been determined in this province. This article aims to fill this gap. ⋯ The participatory approach used in this study relied on the opinion of all stakeholders. The results obtained can inform future research agenda and inform the development of health policies for the provision of health services in French with a higher probability of responding adequately to the needs of Francophone users.
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Can J Public Health · Nov 2012
The emergence of dementia as a health concern among First Nations populations in Alberta, Canada.
Little is known about the prevalence and incidence of dementia in Aboriginal communities in Canada. As with the Canadian population, dementia in Aboriginal people is expected to be an increasing challenge for federal, provincial and community health care systems. To respond to a dearth of information concerning the prevalence of dementia in First Nations, this paper reports population-level data on dementia in the First Nations population in Alberta, Canada. ⋯ Dementia represents an emerging health concern for First Nations. This increase may be driven by parallel trends, such as population aging, changing perceptions of dementia, and disproportionately higher rates of associated risk factors, impacts of the social determinants of health, and co-morbid illnesses. The unique epidemiological profile supports the need for responsive policies, programs and care geared specifically to First Nations.