Social Determinants of Community Wellbeing in Ontario First Nations Communities - Turina Bruyere (2013)

The community wellbeing (CWB) of Ontario First Nations communities is below that of their Ontario non-First Nations counterparts (Moazzami, 2011). Wellbeing is a state of welfare that exists on social, emotional, psychological, physical, environmental, and spiritual dimensions (Chretien, 2010). This study evaluated the association between social determinants and CWB scores in 99 Ontario First Nations communities. Social determinants include factors such as safe and affordable housing, education attainment, labour, and employment. Specifically, this study had focused on the social determinants surrounding education and housing. Regression analyses had demonstrated that social determinants (i.e., possession of a high school diploma, possession of a university degree, school located within the community, and labour force participation) had predicted CWB in Ontario First Nations communities. In addition, regression analyses had demonstrated that geographic zone and multi-family households had predicted a decrease in CWB in Ontario First Nations communities. Results of one hierarchical regression analysis had indicated that, when controlling for schools located within the community, geographic zone decreased CWB. These findings are important for decision makers of policy and funding, as they suggest specific social determinants which have an effect on community wellbeing.