Social Determinants of Health Influencing the New Zealand COVID-19 Response and Recovery: A Scoping Review and Causal Loop Diagram

The Coronavirus pandemic of 2019–20 (COVID-19) affected multiple social determinants health (SDH) across the globe, including in New Zealand, exacerbating inequities. Understanding these system dynamics can support decision making for response and recovery measures. This study combined a scoping review with causal loop diagram to further understanding connections between SDH, measures, both short- long-term outcomes Zealand. showed reinforcing nature structural such as colonization socio-economic influences, on While balancing actions taken by government eliminated COVID-19, that existing SDH inequities could increase longer term, unless opportunity is policies be reset. Such policy resets would difficult implement, they are at odds current system. highlighted significantly influenced COVID-19 impact response, pointing need purposeful systemic action disrupt loops which over time. will require strong systems leadership, coordination makers implementation local level.