| Key questions |
Could the theory help to inform interventions seeking to address populations (e.g., change conditions of risk?) |
Could the theory help to inform interventions seeking to address social determinants of health? |
Could application of the theory generate evidence to inform policy/practice change at a population level? |
| Key focus |
Population health provides insights into the needs of populations, rather than the needs of individuals [22]. Population health interventions are intended to change the social-cultural and environmental conditions of risk to support the overall health of populations and reduce health inequities [5],[15]. |
The social determinants of health influence the health of populations. Although variously defined, one definition includes income and social status; social support networks; education; employment/working conditions; social environments; physical environments; personal health practices and coping skills; healthy child development; gender; and culture [16]. |
Population health research is aimed at generating relevant, contextually sensitive, credible and timely knowledge to enable decision makers to use evidence to improve policies and programs that prevent disease at a population level [5]. |
| Coding definitions |
Yes, if macro (e.g., societal, policy) and community-level factors are considered, including a focus on populations and systems. Possibly, if remains focused on more micro (e.g., individual) or organizational levels. |
Yes, if social determinants of health are considered and integrated into components of the theory/framework. Possibly, if social determinants of health are not explicitly considered in the components of the theory/framework. |
Yes, if application of theory/framework could result in useful information to inform policy/practice change. Possibly, if application of theory/framework focused more on research utilization and does not seem likely to be useful for policy/practice change. |
