Social Determinants Of Health Research

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Critique of Theory In Social determinants of health among African-Americans in a rural community in the Deep South: an ecological exploration Maggie Davenport University of Cincinnati Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health Dr. Rosen October 25, 2013 OVERVIEW This article summarizes the social determinants of health in a community in the ‘deep south’. Research was done as part of a qualitative ethnographic community assessment in rural southeastern Georgia. Eighteen community members ranging in age from 24 to 70 years were interviewed. The author identifies a ‘key informant’ as the director of the local community health center. Through this contact she communicates with retired teachers and pastors,…show more content…
Rather, rural health care is primarily discussed and researched in terms of access to services. The authors further state that, according the WHO, social determinants include ‘the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including the health system.’ Therefore, they make the case that research is indicated in order to assess the extent and impact of social determinants on health – specifically on African Americans [in the rural south]. Although this article explores the social determinants of health overall, it also lists the high incidence of the following among this group: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, AIDS, hypertension and…show more content…
Persistent stress from poverty and racism was reported, which creates health risks through physiologic pathways. In order to provide a clear connection to the far-reaching effects of poverty and racism on the social determinants of health, Ecological Theory was used. This theory seems a very broad and complex one and lends itself well to various interpretations accordingly. The authors point out that the version used here is that developed by Sweat and Denison. This iteration has been adapted from the original five stages initially conceptualized by Bronfenbrenner. Not only is the theory used to develop the questions used for the interviews, it is also used to guide the analysis and methodology of the project. A graphic representation shown in the following table is made by placing the potential threats on the ecological levels parallel to the potential health
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