Health in Context: A Multilevel Comparison of NB and ON

The socio-ecological model of health is a framework that recognizes multiple levels of influence on health outcomes, including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. When comparing Ontario (ON) and New Brunswick (NB), a peer and I focused on two levels: community & policy. Below is a conceptualization of the levels and a chart of the comparison for ON and NB.

Multiple Levels of the Socio-Ecological Model:

Individual Level: This includes personal factors such as genetics, behaviours, knowledge, and attitudes. For example, drinking habits or physical activity levels.

Interpersonal Level: This involves relationships and social networks, such as family, friends, and peers, which can influence health behaviours and access to support.

Organizational Level: This includes institutions like schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems that shape health through policies, practices, and resources.

Community Level: This encompasses the social and physical environments of neighborhoods, such as access to parks, healthcare facilities, or community programs.

Policy Level: This involves laws, regulations, and policies at the local, provincial, or federal level that influence health, such as healthcare funding or public health initiatives.

Comparing Ontario & New Brunswick

References

Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. (2024). Population estimates on July 1, by age and gender.

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.actionpid=1710000501&pickMembers%5B0%5D=1.1&pickMembers%5B1%5D=2.1&cubeTimeFrame.startYear=2020&cubeTimeFrame.endYear=2024&referencePeriods=20200101%2C20240101 

Pawluk De-Toledo, K., O’Hern, S. & Koppel, S. A social-ecological model of working from home during

COVID-19. Transportation, 51, 1181–1208 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-022-10331-7