Prescription for Inequality: Exploring the Social Determinants of Health of At-Risk Groups

This book explores how social determinants of health (SDH) impact marginalized demographic groups in the US, focusing on 13 groups that are most disadvantaged. It provides an interdisciplinary framework for analyzing SDH and includes research from various fields. The book recognizes that health disparities are the result of complex interplay of forces and structural factors and aims to provide solutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of social determinants of health (SDH) on marginalized demographic groups in the United States. It explores the 13 groups that research has identified as being most disadvantaged by SDH, leading to significant health disparities across the country. These groups include Black and Hispanic individuals, the LGBTQIA+ community, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, and those living in rural areas, among others.

The book is organized into chapters, each dedicated to a specific group. Each chapter begins with a snapshot of that group's current state of health, encompassing their primary medical concerns and the interplay of other determinants of health. The subsequent chapters delve into the four components of SDH: economic factors, educational access and quality, healthcare access and quality, and living environment and social context. Within these sections, unique problems and potential solutions are explored, drawing from an interdisciplinary framework that encompasses public health, feminist theory, critical studies of race and ethnicity, poverty studies, disability studies, aging studies, cultural competence, legal studies, and global health.

Recognizing the complex nature of health disparities, the analysis extends beyond the realm of health and healthcare to encompass a wide range of interrelated social, political, economic, and educational factors. The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of health inequalities and offer practical solutions to address these challenges.

Throughout the text, empirical evidence and case studies are used to illustrate the impact of SDH on different marginalized groups. It highlights the experiences of individuals and communities, shedding light on the systemic barriers and structural inequalities that perpetuate health disparities. The book also emphasizes the importance of intersectionality, recognizing that individuals and groups often face multiple forms of discrimination and marginalization, which exacerbates their health risks.

By examining the SDH framework through the lens of marginalized groups, this book contributes to the growing body of knowledge on health equity and social justice. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community activists working to promote health equality and reduce health disparities. It serves as a call to action, urging individuals and society to address the root causes of health inequalities and work towards creating a more just and equitable healthcare system for all.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781440879272