During COVID-19, data informed by British Columbians’ real experiences was critical to public health response, enabling decision-makers to implement actions that best supported communities across BC. This is just as critical during our post-pandemic recovery period, where real data is key to guiding the way forward.
As a charity that responded swiftly to COVID-19, and is now prioritizing pandemic recovery, our pivotal role in supporting data, decision-making, and action is key to our work. We value the many opportunities available to reinforce a well-resourced, proactive, preventative public health system, and to prioritize and strengthen that system so we can provide better public health solutions and demonstrate why public health matters for the well-being of everyone.
Our unique and nimble role allows us to bring together philanthropy, funding, partnerships, engagement, and advocacy. We support evidence-based and equity-driven research, practice, and policy initiatives that take a proactive approach, are grounded in the most pressing public health priorities for British Columbia, and will improve the health of people and communities throughout our province.
This is why, over the last few years, we have been so proud to fund the vital British Columbia Surveys on Population Experiences, Action, and Knowledge (SPEAK), to advance our partnership with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), and the broader public health community, and witness our dedicated donors make such a vast impact on public health.
It is why we are so pleased today to share the third SPEAK results, funded by British Columbians, for British Columbians.
Available in seven languages and developed in collaboration with BC’s regional health authorities, the First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, the BCCDC, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, and the Ministry of Health, the aim of this survey is to better understand British Columbians’ general health status and well-being. Round three of SPEAK 3 had close to 90,000 people sharing their thoughts and experiences. The findings will be used to help identify opportunities for transition, innovation, and adaptation during post-pandemic recovery. Combined with the data from SPEAK 1 and 2, SPEAK 3 provides important information about how British Columbians experienced the pandemic and how those experiences changed over time, ensuring that inequities and unintended societal consequences are addressed, and the overall health and well-being of the population is improved.
“By funding the SPEAK surveys and dashboards, the Pacific Public Health Foundation supports public health partners throughout the province to better understand and meet the health and well-being needs of people in their communities so we can work together to build a healthier, safer and more equitable future for people in B.C.” — Matthew Wright, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Public Health Foundation
Results of SPEAK 3
The SPEAK 3 dashboard allows people with internet access to view the survey results for all of BC, their regional health authority, or even community sub-regions within each health authority. Findings from SPEAK 3 include impacts on children, young adults, and adults. For example, a substantial portion of BC adults with children in their households reported their children’s connection with friends and family was improving, and 35% of those with children in their households reported an increase from one year ago in children’s connection with family and friends, while 47% adult British Columbians with children in their households reported increased child stress compared to one year ago.
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adults were summarized in a report released in July 2021, and the SPEAK 3 results demonstrate that young adults continue to experience high levels of stress, difficulties accessing healthcare and mental health services when needed, and have a weaker sense of community belonging. But, more young adults reported improvements in their mental health over the previous year compared to earlier surveys.
Across a number of risk and protective measures, 59% of adults reported doing moderate or vigorous physical activities for 150 minutes a week or more in the week prior to the survey, about one in three reported consuming five or more servings of fruit/vegetables per day, and about one in four adults reported a decrease in alcohol consumption, compared to last year. However, about one in four adult British Columbians reported a decrease in sleep compared to last year.
Looking at well-being and resiliency, data showed a higher percentage of adults who indicated they had a weak sense of belonging to their local community, and 24% of adults reported worsening general health compared to one year ago. About 41% of adults reported experiencing discrimination or felt they had been treated unfairly or with less respect in the 12 months prior to the survey. In 2023, over half of adult British Columbians reported that it was more difficult for them or their household to meet their financial needs compared to one year ago.
“The BC SPEAK surveys have been instrumental to help us understand the health and well-being of people throughout B.C. since 2020. Findings from round three highlight ongoing impacts of the pandemic to key health outcomes, such as mental health, as well as considerable inequities across the province. This data will help us support you and your community to promote health and improve the health programs and services offered to British Columbians.” — Dr. Geoff McKee, Medical Director, Population and Public Health, BC Centre for Disease Control
These critical surveys would not have happened without our incredible community of donors and partners. The results of these surveys will help us strengthen public health during this period of pandemic recovery, so that it will be better equipped and able to respond to current and emerging threats to our health, keep people safe, promote positive well-being, advance equity, and foster healthier communities.
Investments such as the SPEAK Surveys are investments in the well-being of people and communities across our province now, and well into the future. We are dedicated to supporting pandemic recovery by raising 1.4 M through the Your Health, Our Commitment campaign. You can contribute to the future of public health in BC by supporting this important initiative.
