Attending to Social Vulnerabilities in Tuberculosis Transmission Dynamics

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Attending to Social Vulnerabilities in
Tuberculosis Transmission Dynamics

• Toward a Synergistic Model of Qualitative and
  Quantitative Methods

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Goal

• By integrating social and medical determinants of
  health, develop exploratory mathematical models
  and statistical regression analyses for the
  transmission dynamics of TB in a stratified
  population

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Goal contd.

• in hope that the model can accurately predict TB
  prevalence and assess the effects and benefits of
  different control and prevention measures, that
  in turn will help improve the health status of
  marginalized populations.

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Pilot Project

• Focus on a detailed case study involving a single
  communicable disease TB, as manifested and
  managed in the city of Toronto.

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Objectives

• Critically analyze
• existing research on TB
• relevant mathematical modeling
• social determinants of health (SDOH), for
  immigrant and homeless populations in particular

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Objectives contd.

• Explore tools for synthesizing qualitative and
  quantitative data, including SDOH, in order to
  generate more realistic mathematical models of
  disease transmission

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Objectives contd.

• Carry out intensive computer simulations to
  depict different scenarios for varying control
  measures and strengths

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Objectives contd.

• Empower affected individuals and communities to
  advance grassroots initiatives that address
  issues related to infectious disease, including
  information, self-help and advocacy

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Methods

• Literature reviews will be conducted to identify
  and analyze existing data and ongoing research
  on
• TB transmission
• relevant mathematical models
• SDOH particularly in relation to immigrant and
  homeless populations

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Methods contd. Quantitative Data

• Quantitative data gathered for the purpose of
  this study will be compiled from local and
  national sources
• Annual Demographic Data
• Statistics Canada
• Citizenship and Immigration Data
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• TB Data
• Health Canada

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Methods contd.Qualitative Data

• Semi-structured and open-ended interviews with
• TB patients and their relatives
• Medical professionals those working with
  homeless populations immigration officers
  representatives of advocacy and NGOs assisting
  immigrants in settlement questions

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Methods contd.Interviews Will Explore

• Expectations and experiences of newcomers and
  homeless populations
• Health beliefs and social practices
• Coping strategies and resources
• Barriers to healthcare and quality of life
• Measures taken in dealing with TB infections

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Methods contd.

• Using an interactive process, quantitative and
  qualitative data will be synergistically
  integrated to form the basis for mathematical
  models

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Outcomes

• Yield a comprehensive mathematical model that
  illustrates the relationship between the SDOH and
  conventional and epidemiological factors within a
  range of communicable diseases

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Outcomes contd.

• Based on the data collected, multilingual
  pamphlets will be produced and distributed in
  clinics and community facilities.

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Outcomes contd.

• Workshops will be organized as a means of raising
  awareness and empowering affected individuals and
  communities to advance grassroots initiatives
  that address issues related to social
  vulnerability and TB transmission