Equity and Social Determinants of Health in Health Information Systems
About
The Equity and Social Determinants of Health in Health Information Systems project moves the current narrow framing of Health Information System (HIS) into a broader framing that captures the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) as the root cause of inequity in health status.
The project is divided into three phases:
- The first phase covers a conceptualization and development of indicators
- The second phase is the engagement of pertinent stakeholders in Morocco, Jordan, and relevant applications
- The third phase covers wider regional dissemination and outreach, as well as documentation efforts
Contribution to Knowledge and Actions
SDHE Framework
Adapting the social determinants of health (SDH) framework to social determinants of health equity (SDHE) framework. The new framework moves the discussion from the mere social determinants of health to the social determinants of health equity by incorporating social stratification, produced by structural forces and policies, as a distal social determinant of health leading to health inequities.
Gendered Context
Recognizing gendered context as a structural determinant of health equity. Gendered cultural context plays a significant role in shaping women’s reproductive health. An index of the gendered cultural context was developed and investigated with an application to Egypt.
Information System for Health
Moving from health information system to information system for health. An information system for health adopts the Social Determinants of Health Equity framework. It aims to secure data that traces health disparities to their root causes and ensure the full engagement of all active sectors and partners in health issues.
SDHE for Reproductive Health
Adapting the information system for general health to reproductive health. Adoption of an equity lens in the reproductive health information system calls for revising the framework underlying reproductive health to capture the social determinants of reproductive health equity and translating this framework into a core basket of indicators and measures that secure the full engagement of all active sectors and partners in shaping reproductive health disparities.
SDHE Framework Implementation in Morocco
Adopting the Social Determinants of Health Equity Framework to Reproductive Health Program in Morocco In collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Morocco, the SDHE was applied to the reproductive health program. The application included:
- A review of the health information system in Morocco
- An In-depth analysis of the health information system guided by the SDHE framework
- Recommendations for the program
SDHE Framework Implementation in Jordan
Adopting the Social Determinants of Health Equity Framework to Jordan. In collaboration with the Maternal Mortality Surveillance System in Jordan, the SDHE was applied to the Maternal Mortality program. The application included :
- A review of the health information system in Morocco
- An In-depth analysis of the health information system guided by the SDHE framework
- Recommendations for the program
Supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
