Promoting integrated approaches to reducing health inequities among low‐income workers: Applying a social ecological framework. Issue 5 (26th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baron, Sherry L.; Beard, Sharon; Davis, Letitia K.; Delp, Linda; Forst, Linda; Kidd‐Taylor, Andrea; Liebman, Amy K.; Linnan, Laura; Punnett, Laura; Welch, Laura S.
• Is Part Of: American journal of industrial medicine. Volume 57:Issue 5(2014:May)
• Page Start: 539
• Page End: 556
• Publication Date: 2013-03-26
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Médecine du travail -- Périodiques; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22174
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-3586

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ajim22174-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Nearly one of every three workers in the United States is low‐income. Low‐income populations have a lower life expectancy and greater rates of chronic diseases compared to those with higher incomes. Low‐ income workers face hazards in their workplaces as well as in their communities. Developing integrated public health programs that address these combined health hazards, especially the interaction of occupational and non‐occupational risk factors, can promote greater health equity.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajim22174-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We apply a social‐ecological perspective in considering ways to improve the health of the low‐income working population through integrated health protection and health promotion programs initiated in four different settings: the worksite, state and local health departments, community health centers, and community‐based organizations.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajim22174-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Examples of successful approaches to developing integrated programs are presented in each of these settings. These examples illustrate several complementary venues for public health programs that consider the complex interplay between work‐related and non work‐related factors, that integrate health protection with health promotion and that are delivered at multiple levels to improve health for low‐income workers.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajim22174-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Whether at the workplace or in the community, employers, workers, labor and community advocates, in partnership with public health practitioners, can deliver comprehensive and integrated health protection and health promotion programs. Recommendations for improved research, training, and coordination among health departments, health practitioners, worksites and community organizations are proposed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:539–556, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>