Health and Inequality explores how research on the social determinants of health can be effectively translated into practical public health interventions. It emphasizes that health is shaped not just by individual choices but also by broader social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors. By bridging the research-practice gap, the book equips health and social care professionals with strategies to reduce health inequalities and improve population well-being across the life course.
Key Features
- Presents the social model of health, highlighting how factors like education, work, housing, welfare, environment, and healthcare influence health outcomes
- Demonstrates the application of public health research to policy and real-world practice through case studies and international examples
- Covers social determinants across all stages of life:
- Pre-birth and early years, including breastfeeding and teenage motherhood
- Health inequalities among incarcerated mothers and babies
- Children in education and adolescent sexual health
- Young adulthood, including welfare rights, employment, and well-being
- Later adulthood, with focus on aging and health outcomes
- Discusses the transferability of research findings and their use as evidence to guide interventions
- Practical, clearly structured guidance suitable for public health practitioners, health promotion specialists, and students in health and social care courses
