The social determinants of mental and physical health during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

Project Summary

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are predictive of both chronic and acute physical and mental health problems. SDOH include socioeconomic position (e.g., income, education), early life adversities, physical environment, nutrition, health behaviours (e.g., smoking, physical activity), social support, gender, marital status and experiences of discrimination. We will examine the degree to which these pre-pandemic SDOH are associated with physical health problems (e.g., COVID-19, functional limitations, chronic diseases, functional impairment, mortality), cognitive functioning, mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use disorders), and factors related to quality of life (e.g., loneliness, life satisfaction). We also examine the degree to which these SDOHs are associated with positive mental health outcomes (e.g., resilience, flourishing). Particular focus will be placed on the link between socioeconomic factors and negative health outcomes.