Social and environmental determinants of health

===Lecture Details===
Brian Oldenberg; Week 6 MED1022; Population Health
===Lecture Content===
Economic and social factors are the main determinants of health (GDP), neither is absolute level of income. The wealthiest 10% of households hold 45% of the nations wealth (50% hold 7%).
Causes of problems are common, modifiable risk factors such as diet, activity and tobacco; as well as non-modifiable such as age and heredity. Intermediate risk factors include BP, glucose, lipids, weight/obesity. Social determinants of disease are living and working conditions, lifestyle factors, social and community network.
There is a psychosocial and environmental explanation (multi-level). Psychosocial has less knowledge of relation of diet to health, lower self efficacy, less process of diet change, less social support for physical activity. Environmental change is increased serving size, building homes where driving is necessary, increased fast food available, more sedentary lifestyle. 
Social gradient is that social and economic circumstances affect health throughout life (Whitehall studies). Social determinants affect neuroendocrine signals.
===Readings===