Exploring the Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Pediatric Newcomer Children with Hemoglobinopathies in the Canadian Healthcare System
Dr. Nadia Narendran, PGY2
Supervisor: Dr. Meghna Dua, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, McMaster University
This study investigates whether social determinants of health (SDOH) disproportionately affect pediatric newcomer children with hemoglobinopathies in accessing and utilizing healthcare compared to non-newcomer peers in Canada. Pediatric newcomers often face barriers like language, housing instability, and unfamiliarity with healthcare systems, which may interfere with managing chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia. The research will use a retrospective chart review at McMaster Children’s Hospital to compare healthcare utilization, missed appointments, and documented barriers between newcomer and non-newcomer pediatric patients. Socioeconomic and geographic data linked to patients’ postal codes will be analyzed to contextualize social challenges. Findings aim to inform targeted interventions and healthcare policy improvements for vulnerable newcomer populations.
macpedsrrt.ca 