Social Determinants of Health

"Policy and action for health need to address the social determinants of health, attacking the causes of ill health before they can lead to problems. This is a challenging task for both decision-makers and public health actors and advocates."

This publication examines the social gradient in health - the economically poor live shorter lives and are often more ill than the wealthy - and explains how psychological and social influences affect physical health and longevity. It then looks at what is known about social determinants of health and the role that public policy can play in shaping a social environment that is more conducive to better health.

The book begins with an overview of the social disparities in health, and then examines the influence of 10 key determinants:

1. The Social Gradient
2. Stress
3. Early Life
4. Social Exclusion
5. Work
6. Unemployment
7. Social Support
8. Addiction
9. Food
10. Transport

Each chapter centres on one of these determinants and includes a discussion of "the role that public policy can play in shaping a social environment that is more conducive to better health."

This publication is a second edition, following the 1998 release of the first edition of Social Determinants of Health. This second edition incorporates the latest evidence and seeks to promote "awareness, informed debate, and...action".