Low-income Canadians’ experiences with health-related services: Implications for health care reform

• Published in: Health policy (Amsterdam) Vol. 76; no. 1; pp. 106 - 121
• Main Authors: Williamson, Deanna L., Stewart, Miriam J., Hayward, Karen, Letourneau, Nicole, Makwarimba, Edward, Masuda, Jeff, Raine, Kim, Reutter, Linda, Rootman, Irving, Wilson, Douglas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.03.2006; Elsevier
• Series: Health Policy
• Subjects: Alberta; Canada; Edmonton, Alberta; Female; Health; Health administration; Health care; Health Care Reform; Health conditions; Health policy; Health Services; Health-related services; Humans; Income; Interviews as Topic; Low income; Male; National Health Programs; Ontario; Patient Satisfaction; Policy studies; Poverty; Public health administration; Social aspects; Toronto, Ontario; Alberta; Canada; Ontario; Canada; Health-related services; Poverty; Health care reform
• ISSN: 0168-8510; 1872-6054
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2005.05.005

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.