AIM
Details
- Funder: The programme is funded by U-CARE via funding from the Swedish Research Council.
About AIM
AIM is a research programme with the overall aim to increase equitable access to healthcare by addressing social determinants of health. Social determinants are non-medical factors (e.g., education, employment, exposure to pollution, and income levels) that are associated with the increased prevalence of physical and mental health conditions and act as barriers to accessing healthcare.
Cancer survival and its social determinants among children with migrant background: a systematic review
Childhood cancer disparities persist among certain minority ethnic groups and migrants. Language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, limited support networks, and financial strain can lead to delays in diagnosis, treatment challenges, and poorer outcomes. Social determinants of health, such as poverty and inadequate housing, further complicate these disparities.
We are conducting a systematic review to examine childhood cancer survival in children with migrant backgrounds compared to non-migrants and explore social determinants of health potentially associated with childhood cancer survival.
Project members
Project leader: Professor Louise von Essen
Co-investigators: Associate Senior Lecturer Joanne Woodford, Postdoctoral Researcher Vian Rajabzadeh, Professor David Richards, Professor Arja Harila-Saari, Research Assistant Abla Sami
Social determinants of mental health in Ghana project
Efforts to address common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, have traditionally focused on biological and psychological factors, often overlooking the impact of social determinants of mental health. Social determinants screening, a method of identifying socioeconomic difficulties and the health-related needs of individuals, may be a promising way to integrate social determinants into mental healthcare e.g., to identify individuals requiring additional support and provide tailored care and support. However, the acceptability, feasibility, and implementation potential of social determinants screening remains uncertain.
We have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders and symptoms among adults in Ghana, and (2) explore social determinants potentially associated with anxiety and depressive disorders and symptoms.
We are currently conducting a series of qualitative studies to explore in Ghana:
- Healthcare provider’s perceptions on the impact of social determinants on mental health and the provision of mental health care
- Current social determinants screening practices
- Potential barriers and facilitators to implementing social determinants screening in mental health care.
Project members
PhD student: Victoria Awortwe
Main supervisor: Associate Professor Meena Daivadanam
Co-supervisors: Professor Erik MG Olsson, Associate Senior Lecturer Joanne Woodford, Associate Professor Samuel Adjorlolo
Publications
Prevalence and social determinants of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana systematic review
2024
Part of BMJ Open, 2024
- DOI for Prevalence and social determinants of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
- Download full text (pdf) of Prevalence and social determinants of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
