These refer to a broad range of social, economic, and environmental factors that influence people’s health and well-being. Examples include education and skills, employment and quality of work and housing.
NICE and the adapted Labonte model
The government uses a simple, but effective, model of the causes of health inequalities. This helps guide effective strategies to reduce them.
The model captures the various factors that impact on our health. It highlights where they come from and how they interact with each other. And it shows how interventions must focus on treating place, and not just people.
These include elements such as social support, social networks, and social cohesion. Impacts include isolation and self-esteem.
These are actions individuals take that affect their health positively or negatively such as smoking, substance abuse or physical activity.
These refer to the direct effects on the body’s systems due to factors such as stress and environmental conditions. They include conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety and depression.