"Punching above their weight': a qualitative examination of local governments' organisational efficacy to improve the social determinants of health

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The World Health Organization calls upon local government worldwide to play a greater role in improving public health by improving the social determinants of health. This research aimed to determine how local governments in Victoria, Australia, conceptualised their organisational efficacy to address public health with reference to their statutory obligations. METHODS: Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with Victorian local government health planners. Thematic analysis was used to determine the importance of state health priorities and the perceived organisational efficacy of local government to address health via social determinants. RESULTS: While there were disparities b..