JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Extensive research consistently reveals significant health disparities among Black communities in Canada, highlighting a gap in the publicly funded universal healthcare model in providing equitable care. Such a system should ensure that healthcare needs are adequately addressed for all residents. However, anti-Black racism across all sectors of Canadian society and deficient access to health services have been identified as contributors to poor health outcomes among Black people living in Canada. Black communities are also challenged with over-exposure to adverse social determinants of health, such as poverty, inadequate housing, and high rates of racialized systemic violence, which increase susceptibility to both physical and mental health conditions. The ongoing systemic health inequities experienced by Black communities in Canada highlight the lack of understanding of these communities’ health needs. Currently, there is no comprehensive picture of the relationship between the social determinants of health and health outcomes of Black communities in Canada.

Objective:

This paper outlines a protocol for a scoping review that aims to explore the breadth of the literature that examines the impact of social determinants of health on physical and mental health outcomes among Black communities in Canada, as well as the gaps in this literature.

Methods:

The scoping review adopts the approach outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. In addition, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework will be utilised to ensure comprehensive reporting of the review’s methods and findings. This review aims to investigate the scope and breadth of research gaps on the impact of social determinants of health on physical and mental health outcomes among Black communities in Canada. The databases searched to identify studies that meet the selection criteria were MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Sociological Abstracts, PAIS Index, and Web of Science Core Collection. A two-stage screening process identified relevant articles and the information extracted from the articles will be iteratively refined. The review uses thematic and descriptive analyses to meet scoping aims.

Results:

The title, abstract, and full-text screening was concluded in November 2025. Fifty-six articles were selected following a two-stage screening process. Data collection and analysis are in progress and are expected to be completed by May 2026. Drafting of the manuscript will be done thereafter with the findings from the scoping review expected to be provided for peer review between July and September 2026.

Conclusions:

The scoping review will help inform policy, practice, and research on the impact of the social determinants of health on Black people in Canada. The findings will also provide important information on the systemic causes of poor health outcomes for Black people in Canada.