Public Health Evaluation and the Social Determinants of Health

Compelling evidence shows health disparities are the result of inequalities in income, education, limited access to medical care, substandard social environments, and poor economic conditions. This book introduces these social determinants of health (SDOH), discusses how they relate to public health programs, and explains how to design and evaluate interventions bearing them in mind. Arguing that many public health programs fail to be as effective as they could be, because they ignore the underlying causes of health disparities, this important reference gives concrete examples of how evaluations focusing on the social determinants of health can alleviate health inequalities, as well as step-by-step guidance to undertaking them. This resource blends current research, existing data, and participatory evaluation methods. It is designed for teachers, students, practitioners, and policymakers interested in public health programming and evaluation. A Choice Recommended Title

Allyson Kelley is an Evaluation Scientist with interests in building community capacity to address the cultural, social, and environmental factors that contribute to differences in health. Her interests are driven by what communities identify as most important. She leads evaluation efforts for several initiatives in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and New Mexico. She has mentored more than 125 undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of evaluation and research methods. Dr. Kelley uses a community-based participatory approach and socioecological theories to guide her work. Dr. Kelley is a trainer, speaker, author, and advocate of public health. In 2018 she published her first text, Evaluation in Rural Communities, published by Routledge. She currently serves as an Assistant Editor for the International Journal of Doctoral Studies and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina Greensboro in the School of Health and Human Sciences. She is a reviewer for several peer reviewed journals including the American Journal of Public Health, the American Journal of Evaluation, and the American Indian Alaska Native Mental Health Journal. Dr. Kelley's work has resulted in numerous peer review publications, book chapters, and unpublished evaluation reports that highlight the importance of SDOH and public health evaluation approaches. Her efforts have resulted in new ways to build capacity, address determinants, and promote health equity in populations throughout the United States. She spends most of her time in New Mexico and Oregon and loves to hike, read, and rest.

Contents List of figures List of tables (Foreword) Preface Chapter 1. An Overview of Public Health Evaluation and the Social Determinants of Health Learning Objectives * What is Evaluation? * Health as a Universal Right * SDOH and History * More than Just Determinants * Organizations that Lead SDOH Efforts * The Case for SDOH and Answering the Call * Summary * Points to Remember * Additional Reading and Resources * Chapter Questions * Activities on the Web * References * Chapter 2: A Condition of Place, People, Communities, and Justice Learning Objectives * Upstream, Midstream, and Down Stream People, Places, and Conditions * Justice & Well-being * Unique Populations * Summary * Points to Remember * Additional Reading and Resources * Chapter Questions * Activities on the Web * References * Chapter 3. Planning and Implementing A Social Determinants of Health Focused Evaluation Learning Objectives * On Evaluation * How to Use SDOH in Evaluation * Step 1. Select a SDOH * Step 2. Know When to Use SDOH Focused Evaluations * Step 3. Select a Theory, Know Paradigms and Frameworks * Paradigms * Frameworks Used in SDOH Evaluations * Step 4. Create an SDOH Evaluation Plan and Implement It * Implement the Plan * Final Thoughts on Evaluation and SDOH * Points to Remember * Additional Reading and Resources * Chapter Questions * Activities on the Web * References * Chapter 4. Collecting and Analyzing SDOH Data Learning Objectives * Collecting SDOH Data * Data Challenges * Finding Data * US Data Sources * Primary Data Collection Examples * SDOH Data in Community Settings * Analyzing Data * Qualitative Data * International Considerations * Challenges & Solutions * Solutions * 10 Essential Public Health Services * Summary * Points to Remember * Additional Reading and Resources * Chapter Questions * Activities on the Web * References * Chapter 5. SDOH Program Examples Learning Objectives * Solid Facts * Programs with Scientifically Supported Evidence * Health in All Policies * Spotlight on Programs that Address Social Determinants of Health * Examples Private Sector Programming and Funding * Summary * Points to Remember * Additional Reading and Resources * Chapter Questions * Activities on the Web * References * Chapter 6. SDOH Evaluation Examples Learning Objectives * Upstream Policy and Special Populations * Midstream * Social Support and Community Cohesion * Mid and Downstream * Summary * Points to Remember * Additional Reading and Resources * Chapter Questions * Activities on the Web * References * Chapter 7. Case Study of an SDOH Evaluation Case Study 1: State Opioid SDOH Evaluation * 2 Years Later * Case Study 2: Evaluation of SDOH and Substance Use and Mental Health * 2 Years Later * Case Study 3: Type 2 Diabetes and SDOH * 2 Years Later * Summary of Case Studies * Points to Remember * References * Chapter 8. Bringing it All Together Learning Objectives * Summary of SDOH * SDOH Evaluation * SDOH Challenges * SDOH Solutions * SDOH Programs and Research * Know Differences * Know How to Move Forward * Promising Strategies * Summary * Points to Remember * Additional Reading and Resources * Chapter Questions * Activities on the Web * References *