Training for PhD Students
Session: Multi-level framework
Skills and competencies
critical thinking, analytical skills, critically review literature, identify a research gap, make an argument in writing and oral presentation
Duration and scheduling
120-minute session
During the same week as “Searching, reading and synthesising”
Mode of delivery
In person, virtual or blended learning
Video
Outline
This session introduces the social determinants of health. Drawing on their literature reviews, discipline-specific groups work together to map out a conceptual framework. They cluster social determinants at different levels – individual, household, community, national and global – and explore the links between them.
Objectives
- Generate and categorise social determinants within a multilevel framework
- Enhance argument skills as students justify the categorization of particular social determinants
- Introduce students to a conceptual framework (the multilevel framework)
Preparation
Facilitators
PowerPoint presentation on social determinants of health
Post-it notes in different colours
Board with headings matching the colours of the post-it notes
String
Students
Findings from discipline-specific literature reviews (see Searching, reading and synthesis)
Steps
1. Introduce the social determinants of health (0 – 20 mins)
The facilitator explains the concept, with the use of a PowerPoint presentation.
2. Group work (20–50 mins)
In small groups, and with reference to the topic of their literature searches (such as under-five mortality and morbidity), students come up with different social determinants of this public health issue. Then, they identify the level at which each social determinant operates. For example:
- health knowledge at the individual level
- household income at household level
- distance from the nearest clinic at community level,
- policy at national level
- migration at a global level
They note each social determinant on a coloured post-it, one colour for each level
3. Create a multi-level framework (50–120 mins)
In plenary, groups take turns to place their post-its in the relevant section for each level (as demonstrated in the video). For each one, they state why it fits at that level and how it operates as a social determinant. The facilitator encourages discussion, especially if the determinant is not placed at the correct level.
At the end, one student volunteers and, using string, trace how social determinants might influence health outcomes in a case that the facilitator describes, such as a 40-year-old man who develops Diabetes Type 2.
Outcomes
After this session, students should be able to:
- Explain the social determinants of health
- Apply a multi-level framework to analyse how social determinants operate at different levels
Assessment
Self-evaluation through discussion
Contact US
P.O. Box 10787 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
cartaenquiries@aphrc.org
+254 (20) 400 1000, 266 2244, 266 2255