Young parents' understanding and actions related to the determinants of health

Broad health determinants are accepted as key contributors to health; however, little is known about the public's understanding of these determinants. We describe the results of a survey of young parents (18-30 years) in Alberta regarding their understanding of determinants of health, and their actions (planned or undertaken) in promoting wellbeing and health for themselves, their families, and their communities. A telephone survey of young parents (N=652) was conducted, using both open-ended and fixed response questions. In the open-ended responses, social support networks (46%) and personal health practices (40%) were most often cited as contributors to family well-being and health and as current actions (62% and 54% respectively). Health services were rarely mentioned as a contributor. Most frequently mentioned barriers to well-being and health related to income (36%) and coping skills (34%). Sub-sample differences by gender, age, income, and residence were detected. Fixed response questions indicated that parents rated a broad range of health determinants as "very important".