Social Determinants of Health

Effect of social determinants on health is the base of inequity in health of society. These factors have a main role in the spread of infectious and non-communicable diseases in community. Biological and genetic factors affect only 15%, health system about 25% and social determinants in 50% and in a number of studies, 75% affect peoplechr('39')s health. In this article, the impact of social determinants on health is discussed.

This research is a review study using national and international references and also the views and experiences of the author.

Social determinants include economic, cultural, environmental, social and political factors. Peoplechr('39')s health is more related to social factors than to medical care. Social determinants have various effects on the health of different communities and as a result, health indicators vary between countries and even within country. Several strategies are proposed to control the factors affecting health: controlling lethal diseases and improving the health system, reducing poverty, improving conditions of people live and work, prioritizing expenditure on health rather than medical technology, necessity for planning and supervising on private section .

It is necessary to perform two activity to ensure equity in health. Development of the health network of the country, and assessing the social determinants of health as much as possible which have a share of at least fifty percent in promoting the health of community and individuals. Implementing these two very valuable actions that lead to the establishment of equity in health requires national decision, peoplechr('39')s participation and trans-sectoral cooperation.