SDoH

Question 1

Arthritis

Answer 1

Gender and Geography: Arthritis prevalence is higher in women and those living in rural areas, reflecting gender disparities and geographic barriers to healthcare access.
Socioeconomic Inequalities: Those with lower income and education levels report higher arthritis prevalence, highlighting links between social disadvantage and chronic conditions.
Indigenous Populations: First Nations and Métis adults are disproportionately affected, with rates 1.3 to 1.6 times higher than non-Indigenous populations, underscoring the role of systemic inequities.
Immigrant Populations: Lower arthritis rates among recent immigrants suggest protective factors such as healthier behaviors or genetic predispositions, potentially diminished over time due to acculturation and environmental factors.

Question 2

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 2

Risk Factors and Occupation: Low educational attainment and nonprofessional occupations are associated with worse arthritis outcomes, reflecting occupational hazards and limited access to healthcare resources.
Gender Disparities: Women are three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, linking biological and potentially social factors influencing disease outcomes.

Question 3

Injuries and Falls

Answer 3

Age and Activity: Injuries vary across life stages, with adolescents primarily injured in sports, adults in work or sports, and older adults in household activities or falls. Falls are a leading cause of injuries among older adults.
Economic and Health Impacts: Hip fractures in older adults, predominantly women, lead to financial challenges, loss of independence, and increased healthcare utilization, especially among individuals with limited support or resources.

Question 4

Obesity and Joint Replacement

Answer 4

Obesity Prevalence: High rates of obesity among those undergoing joint replacements indicate the intersection of lifestyle, socioeconomic conditions, and healthcare access.
Access to Care: Efforts to reduce wait times for hip and knee replacements aim to address healthcare system inequities but continue to be influenced by geographic and socioeconomic disparities.