Social model of health

What is it

An approach to health that attempts to address the broader influences on health (social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors) rather than the disease or injury itself

What does it do

takes into account the important role that sociocultural factors such as socioeconomic status, social inequalities, access to healthcare and social contentedness play in bringing about improved health outcomes

principles of social model of health (5)

Acts to enable access to healthcare

acts to reduce social inequalities

empowers individuals and communities

addresses the broader factors of health

involves intersectoral collaboration

What happens if the factors are addressed

many disease and illnesses can be prevented

key aspects

policies, education, and health promotion activities

Health promotion

the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health