The Social Determinants of Health and Trends Concerning Health Disparity

A society’s health is determined not only by genes and lifestyle but also by social factors such as individuals’ socioeconomic position and social relationships. A large number of social epidemiology studies have revealed a branch of epidemiology concerned with the way that social structures, institutions, and relationships influence health [1]. This was followed by policy responses and practical efforts, such as the recommendations in the final report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health (WHO) [2] and similar responses from the European Union (EU) [3]. The WHO adopted resolution 62.14—“Reducing health inequities through action on the social determinants of health”—in the World Health Assembly.