Mapping Trajectories of Health Disparities in Alberta through a Literature Review

Health disparities in Alberta remain a critical concern, driven by chronic disease prevalence, unequal access to mental health services, and environmental vulnerability. This review synthesizes evidence from 2010 to 2030 projections and recent empirical studies to trace patterns in obesity, diabetes, and cancer, alongside social and environmental determinants shaping these outcomes. Reported trends indicate that obesity prevalence is projected to rise from 24.5% to 33.0% (Bancej et al., 2015), diabetes from 6.8% to 10.1% (Lytvyak et al., 2022), and cancer incidence from 2.2% to 3.0% (Panton et al., 2018; Brenner et al., 2022), reflecting statistically significant upward trajectories. Barriers to mental health care remain substantial among immigrant and racialized youth, particularly related to cultural exclusion (62%), stigma (54%), and limited awareness of available services (48%) (Salami et al., 2019). These barriers are closely linked with immigrant status and systemic inequities in service accessibility. Environmental exposures further compound these challenges, contributing to higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders in areas with larger populations of older adults and refugees (Tilstra et al., 2022). Evidence from the COVID-19 period suggests that pandemic-related disruptions amplified existing inequities, disproportionately affecting immigrant adults and racialized youth (Vang & Ng, 2023; Bajgain et al., 2022). Studies by Salma and Salami (2020) and Salma and Giri (2021) highlight the protective role of community and religious networks, as well as culturally relevant support systems, in enhancing mental well-being and social cohesion. Collectively, the reviewed evidence illustrates persistent structural and contextual factors shaping health outcomes in Alberta, underscoring the importance of contextually grounded and inclusive public health planning.