Evidence for inequities in the risk of foodborne and waterborne diseases in the Canadian population: a scoping review
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Foodborne and waterborne diseases (FWBD) affect over four million Canadians each year. High-risk groups include young children, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, those who travel to endemic areas, and those with limited access to safe drinking water. Although some demographic information is routinely collected, lack of socio-environmental data limits identification of other vulnerable populations. This study aimed to systematically gather and map available evidence for FWBD inequities in Canada and identify knowledge gaps. A scoping review of four academic databases and grey literature was conducted following a prospectively registered protocol. Thirty-five articles met the eligibility criteria. Results were synthesized by PROGRESS-Plus factors. Measuring inequities was a specified objective in 12 studies (34.2%). FWBD occurrence by age (n = 32; 91.4%), sex (n = 28; 80.0%), and place of residence (n = 27; 77.1%) were most studied. No studies assessed gender, language, occupation, religion, or social capital. Differences in study design, study populations, exposure and outcome definitions and measurement, and analysis were substantial. This review identified knowledge gaps including never-studied equity stratifiers, FWB pathogens, and sub-populations. Larger studies with explicit objectives to measure health inequities are needed. Public health professionals and researchers need to expand and standardize collection and linkage of socio-environmental data to FWBD outcomes.
Source: Journal of Health Equity
Institutions: Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412712349