This study examined the use of population health and health promotion (PH&H
P) research by health regions in Canada. An 11-item survey was fared to 137
(of 140) health regions. Eighty-three completed questionnaires were return
ed (60.8%). Results indicate that: while research, in general, plays more t
han a moderate role in the majority of participating health regions, PH&HP
research is not used frequently. The most frequent uses of PH&HP research i
nclude the development of health goals and objectives, the development of p
rograms and services, and resource allocation. Health regions most frequent
ly obtain PH&HP research from their own staff and from government departmen
ts. University-based researchers are not a commonly used source. This study
provides a descriptive overview of health regions' engagement in evidence-
based decision making related to PH&HP issues, and points to a number of st
rategies chat both health regions and researchers can employ to enhance the
use of PH&HP research by health regions.