A disability perspective on the public health objectives

The overarching aim of Sweden’s national public health policy is to create social conditions that will ensure good health, on equal terms, for the entire population. Therefore a disability perspective always has to be considered. Public authorities should be guided by eleven public health objective domains. Below is an example of what can be highlighted within these eleven areas.

1. Participation and influence in society

• One of the most important goals of disability policy; must be achieved in order to meet the goal of public health policy
• A lack of participation and inequalities are key determining factors
• Should include control and influence over daily activities—whether or not the person is able to actually perform the activities him/herself in practice

2. Economic and social prerequisites

• Relative income is a key determinant for health, and also influences social position and status
• Social security is important—the more general and inclusive it is, the less discriminatory and stigmatizing
• A disability is often costly

3. Conditions during childhood and adolescence

• Children with disabilities have the same rights to a good childhood as others
• Often a lot of medical care and treatments
• Inaccessible environments hinder function
• Society should compensate according to each individual’s needs

4. Health in working life

• An initial requirement is to gain access to the labour market
• Attitudes and accessibility must also be regarded from a non-physical perspective
• Consider which demands can be made
• Adaptation in the form of accessible buildings, flexible working hours, assistance, places to rest

5. Environments and products

• The environment as a whole represents an important accessibility issue
• The more goods and services that are accessible and usable, the less need for specially adapted solutions
• Of particular significance for hypersensitive or persons with allergies

6. Health-promoting health services

• More knowledge is needed about the aspect of disability
• Concrete accessibility
• Staff’s insight into the impact disability can have on overall health
• Provide information on different living habits; help to change patient’s living habits
  

7. Protection against communicable diseases

• Information on infections and how to protect oneself; must be designed so that information reaches everyone
• Health and medical care has a special responsibility to hinder the spread of infections amongst and between users of the care system

8. Sexuality and reproductive health

• Some injuries and disabilities can affect one’s sexuality and sex life. More knowledge in health and medical care is therefore necessary so that people with disabilities are met with respect and receive good care, rehabilitation and information. However, they are still met with much uncertainty and a sense of taboo

9. Physical activity

• Important for everyone!
• There must be practical support and help to get started
• Sports facilities and public gyms must be accessible
• Many people are unable to get exercise like others, due to impaired mobility or vision, asthma, heart and lung diseases, etc.
• Some people have trouble motivating themselves

10. Eating habits and food

• Everyone must understand the impact dietary habits have on health
• Accessible information on what eating habits are suitable
• Many people are dependent on meals provided by the public sector
• Especially important for those who are unable to get exercise

11. Tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, doping and gambling

• The use of tobacco is significantly more common than in the rest of the population
• Easy to numb shock and pain with alcohol and pills