Three challenges for the social determinants of health pursuit

Abstract

Editorial For those who have worked over the years within a population health perspective of public health the current enthusiasm for the so-called social determinants of health (SDOH) is a wel-

How should we act on the social determinants of health?

“…We currently lack extensive data on whether interventions aiming to modify the social determinants actually work. 9 Therefore, it is important that the applied research agenda includes research that assesses interventions and evaluates the effect of policy and practice on the pathways of the social determinants of health. This is no simple task.…”

Foreword

“…The poor health of the poor, the social gradient in health within countries, and the marked health inequities between countries are caused by the unequal distribution of power, income, goods, and services, globally and nationally, the consequent unfairness in the immediate, visible circumstances of peoples lives-their access to health care, schools, and education, their conditions of work and leisure, their homes, communities, towns, or cities-and their chances of leading a flourishing life. [5][6][7][8][9] Neither can we afford to wait until we have perfect information to act in light of the increasing burden of health disparities between and among racial and ethnic communities in the United States. Together, the structural determinants and conditions of daily life constitute the social determinants of health and are responsible for a major part of health inequities between and within countries.…”

From awareness to action on the social determinants of health

“…The following editorial continues the series of editorials in the International Journal of Public Health on the WHO Commission Report on the Social Determinants of Health (CSDH, WHO 2008;Siegrist 2008;Vågerö 2008;McQueen 2009;Koskinen and Puska 2009;Potvin 2009;MadarasovaGeckova 2009). In its final principle of action, the WHO Commission (CSDH) recognized the need to raise public awareness of the social determinants of health.…”