Health impacts of social determinants and lifestyle behaviours: some evidence from Canadian provinces.

This study examines the impact of social determinants and lifestyle factors on two health measures—life expectancy at birth (objective) and self-perceived health (subjective)—using panel data from Canadian provinces between 2007 and 2021. Employing a simplified conceptual model based on Dahlgren and Whitehead’s framework, the research finds that social determinants (income, education, employment, union membership, and healthcare access) influence life expectancy both directly and indirectly through lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, diet, physical activity). In contrast, for self-perceived health, social and lifestyle determinants exert only direct effects, with lifestyle factors having a stronger influence on individuals’ health perceptions. The study underscores the importance of addressing lifestyle within the broader context of social determinants and supports redistributive policies aimed at reducing health inequities.