Structural Determinants of Health

Structural determinants of health are the societal factors that influence people's health outcomes. These include policies, economic systems, social norms, and the distribution of resources like housing, education, employment, and healthcare. They shape opportunities and risks for health across populations. For example, low-income neighborhoods may lack access to quality healthcare and healthy foods, increasing health disparities. Addressing these root causes involves changing broader societal structures to create more equitable conditions, ultimately improving overall health and reducing avoidable inequalities.