Challenges and opportunities in addressing social determinants of child health in Cambodia: perspectives and experience of frontline providers in two health districts

Abstract

Objectives Other forces related to socio-economic and cultural factors, besides biomedical and behavioural fields, also influence health but receive little attention in health research. This study aims to illuminate social determinants of health and to identify challenges and opportunities in addressing social determinants of child health (SDCH) in rural Cambodia. Methods This is a qualitative study based on interviews of frontline primary health care providers, health officials, local authorities and community volunteers in two health districts in Cambodia. The data were supplemented by secondary data on different aspects of the districts and Cambodia. Results Poverty, lack of basic commodities and adverse social conditions remained problems for population health. While access to health services was considered adequate, households and communities had several major risk exposures. Challenges in addressing SDCH were the high prevalence of social and household adverse conditions, and the lack of training of providers, of information about social services, of effective coordination and of trust in public services. Opportunities were present, including social services being existent albeit poor functioning, the traditional practice of social inquiry, existing frontline providers being open to further information and training, existing subnational coordination bodies at district and provincial levels, and use of evidence in planning and resource allocation. Conclusion Addressing SDCH requires broad and coordinated efforts of stakeholders from multiple sectors. Among the prerequisites are to leverage the existing structures and mechanisms, training primary health care providers and providing them with adequate information about local resources and available supports. Improving social care services and infrastructures requires strong coordination, planning and adequate resource allocation. RésuméObjectifs D'autres forces liées aux facteurs socio-économiques et culturels, en plus des domaines biomédicaux et comportementaux, influencent également la santé mais reçoivent peu d'attention dans la recherche en santé. Cette étude vise à éclairer les déterminants sociaux de la santé et à identifier les défis et les opportunités pour aborder les déterminants sociaux de la santé infantile (SDCH) dans les régions rurales du Cambodge.

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