Changes in chronic disease prevention resources and activities in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted public health efforts for chronic disease prevention (CDP) in Canada and elsewhere. We describe COVID-19–related disruptions in CDP resources and activities among Canadian public health organizations. MethodsWe surveyed all or...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Public Health Agency of Canada
2025-08-01
|
| Series: | Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada |
| Online Access: | https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/health-promotion-chronic-disease-prevention-canada-research-policy-practice/vol-45-no-7-8-2025/changes-chronic-disease-prevention-resources-activities-canada-covid-19-pandemic.html |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted public health efforts for chronic disease prevention (CDP) in Canada and elsewhere. We describe COVID-19–related disruptions in CDP resources and activities among Canadian public health organizations.
MethodsWe surveyed all organizations in Canada with mandates for primary CDP, including “resource organizations” that develop or transfer CDP initiatives and “user organizations” that deliver these CDP initiatives to target populations. Key informants most knowledgeable about CDP activities and resources within each organization reported pandemic-related changes in CDP resources and activities. User organizations also reported on the status of 18 specific CDP activities and rated whether pandemic containment measures were barriers to or facilitators of CDP activities.
ResultsOf the 298 participating organizations (88% response), 129 were resource organizations (37% formally mandated organizations [FMOs]; 63% non-governmental organizations [NGOs]) and 169 were user organizations (48% FMOs; 52% NGOs). Overall, 36% reported decreases in CDP funding (24% major, 12% minor), 30%–41% reported decreases in full-time, volunteer and managerial staff (19%–27% major, 11%–14% minor) and 32% reported decreases in CDP activities (23% major, 9% minor). User FMOs were most affected by decreases. Among user organizations, 16%–39% decreased, suspended or discontinued specific CDP activities. Still, 8%–39% increased their activities, particularly those targeting mental health, marginalized populations, racialized communities and specific gender groups. Half (53%) of user organizations perceived COVID-19 contagion restrictions as barriers to CDP activities.
ConclusionContinued monitoring of CDP resources and activities can inform emergency preparedness and ensure that CDP remains a priority during public health crises. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2368-738X |