Term: Socio-Economic Factor Index (SEFI)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2016-04-14

Definition:

The SEFI is a factor score derived from Census data that reflects non-medical social determinants of health and is used as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status (SES). SEFI scores less than zero indicate more favourable socioeconomic conditions, while SEFI scores greater than zero indicate less ideal socioeconomic conditions.

NOTE: In Metge et al. (2009), a new method of calculating the SEFI was introduced and referred to as SEFI-2. In MCHP research since 2009, the term SEFI and SEFI-2 have been used interchangeably, but the methodology reflects the SEFI-2 definition.

One of the biggest changes in methodology involved the number of Census variables used in the calculation. The original SEFI uses the following six variables to calculate an overall score:

The SEFI-2 uses the following four variables to calculate an overall score:

The SEFI has undergone several changes since being introduced. For more detailed information please read the:

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