Paddle with Me
In this lesson, we will introduce an ecological model for understanding the social determinants of health, particularly in children. The video nicely introduces the social determinants of health. The Willows article will describe more details on how the social determinants of health relate to the health of children. While the Willows article specifically addresses aboriginal children in Canada – the socioecological framework is useful and relevant to all Indigenous Peoples.
The first required resource, the OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs) website, is a great tool to provide information and messages – as long as the target audience has the ability to access the web (using smart phones, tablets, PC, etc). The OHA website provides information relating social determinants of health within the context of Native Hawaiian health. OHA has used this information to lobby for laws and resources to support efforts in addressing health concerns of the Native Hawaiians. This is an example of how leadership can affect policy change.
A Paddler’s Perspective
As health professionals, we need to translate scientific information into language that our political leaders can relate to and understand. Towards the end of this course, we’ll be learning more about leadership. The OHA video is a great example of a visual short message that can resonate with many. Although it’s optional, I encourage you to watch the longer video under “Optional Resources”. I think of particular interest is the issue on lack of access to healthcare and the appropriate services. Although we may think services are available – how “available” are they? And, how relevant is the care? Is it culturally relevant?
Review the Required Resources thoroughly BEFORE going through the Graded Activities. Please be aware of the due dates associated with this lesson.
Required Resources
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Social Determinants of Health (Office of Hawaiian Affairs website)
Watch the video (05:37) on this web page, and peruse the information and resources below the video.
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Willows et al. (2012) A Socioecological Framework to Understand Weight-related Issues in Aboriginal Children in Canada (PDF)
This article offers a framework to help us understand weight related issues in children. Obesity is a very complex health issue… particularly for children. It involves factors of individual behavior compounded by the environment surrounding the child. Sadly, obesity leads to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes - even in children. Why is there a higher prevalence of obesity in Aboriginal or Indigenous peoples? (see course overview for definitions of Aboriginal and Indigenous) Historical factors such as colonization, dispossession of traditional lands, and assimilation policies are factors unique to Aboriginal or Indigenous peoples. (We will learn more about historical factors relevant to the Pacific later in this course).
See Figure 1 on page 5 of the this article. It shows how these historical factors encompass and influence the other factors in the socioecological model. As you can see, there are many factors to consider when understanding obesity in children. It’s not as simple as just looking at diet. To make a significant impact on the weight-related issues of children, we must look at the bigger picture - the environmental factors. Do they have safe playgrounds to play? Are there healthy food choices in the markets nearby? Does the family cook and eat together?
On the bottom of page 6, see the Food Choice Practice Framework. It suggests that food choices are influenced by social rules and resources within the family structure. The case studies starting on page 8 offer some examples of successful community-based intervention programs to prevent childhood obesity. The ecological model in this article can be useful in program planning within the Pacific. Remember these resources - you may want to revisit them towards the end of this course for your final work.
Resources in this section are meant to help reinforce the content in this lesson.