Low-income Canadians' experiences with health-related services: implications for health care reform.
This study investigated the use of health-related services by low-income Canadians living in two large cities, Edmonton and Toronto. Interview data collected from low-income people, service providers and managers, advocacy group representatives, and senior-level public servants were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicate that, in addition to health care policies and programs, a broad range of policies, programs, and services relating to income security, recreation, and housing influence the ability of low-income Canadians to attain, maintain, and enhance their health. Furthermore, the manner in which health-related services are delivered plays a key role in low-income people's service-use decisions. We conclude the paper with a discussion of the health and social policy implications of the findings, which are particularly relevant within the context of recent health care reform discussions in Canada.
Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, 302 Human Ecology Building, Edmonton, Alta., Canada T6G 2N1. deanna.williamson@ualberta.ca
Deanna L
DL
Williamson
Miriam J
MJ
Stewart
Karen
K
Hayward
Nicole
N
Letourneau
Edward
E
Makwarimba
Jeff
J
Masuda
Kim
K
Raine
Linda
L
Reutter
Irving
I
Rootman
Douglas
D
Wilson
D000416:Alberta; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006296:Health Services; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs; D009864:Ontario; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011203:Poverty