Online Program

293616
Principles, necessity, and utility of social determinants in chronic disease prevention: A global perspective


Monday, November 4, 2013 : 3:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Gopal Sankaran, MD, DrPH, MNAMS, CHES, Department of Health, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA
Social differentials in health, along with their determinants, as well as health inequities within and among nations are well documented. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) disproportionately affect people living in low and middle-income nations and contribute to higher morbidity, disability, and premature mortality in addition to lower productivity and poor quality of life. This paper offers an overview of the global burden of NCDs with a focus on low- and middle income nations where their impact is most severe. Thereafter, the framework for understanding social determinants of health and their relationship to the differential occurrence of NCDs is presented. Evidence from published literature is identified to provide the foundation for policy and programmatic initiatives to address the social determinants of health. Barriers to implementation of evidence-based strategies and opportunities for success are discussed.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention
Provision of health care to the public
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the estimated epidemiologic and economic global burden of NCDs. Explain the relationship between social determinants of health and NCDs in resource constrained settings. Identify two strategies each for addressing structural and individual level social determinants of health to combat NCDs.

Keyword(s): Chronic Diseases, Social Inequalities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Extensive training and experience in three interrelated disciplines - medicine, public health, and health promotion. Over 25+ years experience as teacher, trainer, and researcher with a focus on epidemiology of infectious and chronic non-communicable conditions.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.