The Social Determinants of Health: Time to Re-Think?
John Frank1, Thomas Abel2, Stefano Campostrini3
1Director of Knowledge Exchange and Research Impact, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Room 1-308, Doorway #1, Teviot Hall, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK.
Summary
The influential 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) report on Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) needs significant evolution. A 2019 meeting identified key challenges in global health equity, policy implementation, and research for the 2020s.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Equity
- Global Health Policy
Background:
- The 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) report on Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) significantly influenced public health research and policy.
- Over a decade later, emerging global health challenges necessitate a re-evaluation of the SDoH framework's adequacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the legacy and current relevance of the SDoH conceptual framework.
- To identify and discuss key challenges facing public health in the 2020s concerning SDoH.
- To propose potential solutions and directions for the evolution of SDoH research, policy, and practice.
Main Methods:
- Convened a meeting of senior international public health scholars and decision-makers in mid-2019.
- Facilitated discussions on the SDoH framework's application to contemporary global health issues.
- Identified and categorized major challenges impacting global health equity and SDoH implementation.
Main Results:
- Four primary categories of challenges were identified: emerging exogenous threats to global health equity, implementation gaps in policy and practice, theoretical and research limitations within SDoH, and general issues in modern research.
- Specific examples within each category were discussed, highlighting the complexities of addressing SDoH in the current landscape.
- Potential solutions and strategies for overcoming these challenges were explored.
Conclusions:
- The Social Determinants of Health framework remains a valuable foundation for public health.
- Significant evolution of the SDoH framework is required to effectively address the multifaceted challenges of the 2020s.
- A forward-looking approach is necessary to enhance the impact of SDoH on global health equity and policy.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
9.5K
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
9.5K
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
4.9K
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
4.9K
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
335
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
335
01:18Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
1.9K
The person's health status fluctuates continually, varying from being in good health to becoming ill and returning to being healthy. To understand the concept of illness prevention, there are two models. First, the health-illness continuum model is a graphic representation of an individual's wellness. It states that a person is considered healthy in the absence of physical disease and the presence of good emotional health.
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
1.9K
01:29Concepts of Health and Illness
16.7K
Health is a condition of the body, mind, and spirit where an individual remains free from illness. Similarly, wellness is an active state, including living a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Physical health is critical for the overall well-being and can be affected by lifestyle, activity level, diet, and behavior. The highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental and universal human right. Consider Lisa, a fifteen-year-old born with congenital...
16.7K
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
3.8K
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
3.8K