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Tool 7Wider and Social Determinants of HealthThe wider determinants of health%u2014also known as the social determinants of health%u2014are the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence aperson%u2019s health. These include factors like income, education, employment, housing, access to healthy food, social support networks, and living conditions. In the UK, addressing these determinants is crucial for improving health outcomes and for the effectiveness of preventionstrategies in both health and other public sector services.Why the Wider Determinants of Health Matter for Prevention:1. Prevention of Poor Health at the Root Level%u2022Wider determinants play a key role in the development of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, respiratory conditions) and mental health problems. By addressing these factors before they lead to illness, public services can help prevent the development of health issues in the first place.%u2022 For example, improving housing conditions can reduce respiratory problems caused by poor indoor air quality, while increasing access to education and employment opportunitiescan improve overall mental and physical health.2. Health Inequalities%u2022 Health inequalities are often driven by the social determinants of health.People from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes because they face multiple barriers to accessing healthcare, healthy food, safe housing, and good education.%u2022 By addressing these wider factors, public sector services can reduce health inequalities and ensure more equitable health outcomes across all communities. For example, improving education can lead to better job prospects and higher incomes, which in turn can lead to better health.3. Tackling Root Causes for Long-Term Impact%u2022 Prevention works best when it focuses on the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms. By targeting the wider determinants we can create long-lasting improvements in population health.%u2022 For example, tackling poverty and unemploymentcan improve mental health and reduce the likelihood of people turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking, excessive drinking, or poor diet.4. Better Resource Allocation and Cost Savings%u2022 Addressing the wider determinants of health through early intervention can save costs in the long run. If we focus on improving people%u2019s living conditions, education, and employment prospects, fewer resources will need to be spent on treating avoidable conditions and diseases that arise from poor social conditions.%u2022 For instance, investing in early childhood education can improve cognitive development, reducing the likelihood of future health problems and educational challenges. This can reduce healthcare costs and the need for more intensive services later in life.5. Integrated and Holistic Approach%u2022 The wider determinants require a whole-system approach that involves not just the healthcare sector, but also sectors like housing, education, employment, and transport. Tackling health inequalities effectively means workingacross these sectors to create supportive environments for health.42