Grant: Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)

This CIHR funded project aims to address health inequities among sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, or SOGIE, diverse communities in Ontario by analyzing how these populations are represented in public health policies, programs, and surveillance systems. Despite well documented health disparities faced by SOGIE individuals (including higher rates of mental health challenges, chronic conditions, and healthcare access barriers) there remains a significant gap in their inclusion within public health policies and data collection frameworks. To address this, the project employs a multi-method approach, including a review of the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS), content analysis of all 34 Ontario Public Health Unit (PHU) websites, and an assessment of publicly available surveillance data for SOGIE representation. Additionally, interviews will be conducted with SOGIE community members to document their experiences accessing public health services, as well as with public health representatives to explore how SOGIE diversity is incorporated into program planning, surveillance, and service delivery. The findings will be synthesized into policy briefs, reports, and academic publications to inform public health policy and practice. Ultimately, the project aims to provide actionable recommendations to enhance the representation of SOGIE diverse communities in Ontario's public health system, fostering a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape.