Broadening the focus: the need to address the social determinants of health

After presenting new evidence produced for the commission about the extent of unrealized health potential in the U.S., a brief overview is provided of the science supporting a more comprehensive approach to reducing health disparities and improving health overall, and a summary of the case for takin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of preventive medicine 2011-01, Vol.40 (1 Suppl 1), p.S4-S18
Main Authors: Braveman, Paula A, Egerter, Susan A, Mockenhaupt, Robin E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
American people
Child
Child Welfare
Environment
Female
Health
Health behaviour
Health care
Health Services Accessibility
Health Status Disparities
Health Status Indicators
Humans
Life Expectancy - trends
Male
Public health
Social conditions
Socioeconomic Factors
Sociology, Medical
United States
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:After presenting new evidence produced for the commission about the extent of unrealized health potential in the U.S., a brief overview is provided of the science supporting a more comprehensive approach to reducing health disparities and improving health overall, and a summary of the case for taking societal action now to address the obstacles to health faced by many Americans. While ensuring that individuals have access to appropriate medical care and information about health-promoting behaviors remains important, effective solutions also will require a broader focus on the contexts that powerfully shape both health behaviors and health itself. Much remains to be learned about which strategies are most effective, but current knowledge is sufficient to indicate promising direction. [Copyright American Journal of Preventive Medicine; published by Elsevier Inc.]
ISSN:0749-3797
1873-2607
DOI:10.1016/j.amepre.2010.10.002