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About Population Health
In a Nutshell
Health is a complex phenomenon that does not depend solely on biological or medical factors. While this is increasingly recognized within the research milieu, modern societies continue to invest primarily in their health systems. This would indicate that they continue to see access to healthcare as the determining factor for population health.
Yet, many other parameters determine our well-being. The best known include a healthy lifestyle and diet. But beyond individual health, researchers have proven that social and economic factors, including poverty, are largely responsible for a population’s state of health. This partially explains why, in a universal system like the one in Quebec, some individuals are in better health than others.
Population health research takes this perspective. It studies the determinants of health, such as income and social environment, and seeks to better understand the mechanisms that underpin the inequalities between different population groups, with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. The Quebec Population Health Research Network believes that action around population health must include all sectors related to public health, health and society and the organization of health services and health policy.
Sources:
Quebec Population Health Research Network
Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI)
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