[Social determinants of health in the Czechoslovak population]

The purpose of the submitted paper is to attempt to detect fundamental social factors which shaped the health status of the Czechoslovak population during the period since the Second World War. First attention is paid to the development of the health status. Subsequently the author characterizes briefly the basic spheres which influence health, i.e. the lifestyle, living and working environment and the activities of the health services. In the conclusion the author presents a characteristic of the socio-economic structure of Czechoslovak society as regards social relations. The author emphasizes the need of rapid transition to a truly democratic set-up of society and the implementation of fundamental economic reforms as the prerequisite for gradual improvement of the health status of the Czechoslovak population. Part of the contemplated social changes and at the same time an essential prerequisite of success is the implementation of the strategy of restoration and promotion of national health.