Social determinants of health: the solid facts
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THE SOLID FACTS
2nd edition/edited by Richard Wilkinson and Michael Marmot
World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, Copenha-
gen, Denmark; ISBN 92 890 1371 0
Available online as PDF file [33 pp. 485 kB] at:
http://www.who.dk/document/E81384.pdf
"...Poorer people live shorter lives and are more often ill than
the rich. This disparity has drawn attention to the remarkable
sensitivity of health to the social environment. This publica-
tion examines this social gradient in health, and explains how
psychological and social influences affect physical health and
longevity.
It then looks at what is known about the most important social
determinants of health today, and the role that public policy
can play in shaping a social environment that is more conducive
to better health.
This second edition relies on the most up-to-date sources in its
selection and description of the main social determinants of
health in our society today. Key research sources are given for
each: stress, early life, social exclusion, working conditions,
unemployment, social support, addiction, healthy food and trans-
port policy.
Policy and action for health need to address the social determi-
nants of health, attacking the causes of ill health before they
can lead to problems. This is a challenging task for both deci-
sion-makers and public health actors and advocates. This publi-
cation provides the facts and the policy options that will en-
able them to act..."