For week #2 - social determinants

Read the required readings and post answers to the following questions. Responses are due by 1 pm January 12, 2016

1. In Chapter 5 of the WHO document, A conceptual framework for action on the structural determinants of health, the authors describe structural stratifiers (e.g. income, education, etc) and intermediary determinants such as material and psychosocial circumstances. Pick 3 of these factors (at least one structural and one intermediary). Explain why you chose the factors (might use Braveman article to provide justification) and describe how each could be an important determinant of a health outcome of your choosing. The association could be reported in published research or it could be your hypothesized relationship.
2. In the Braveman et al 2005 JAMA article, authors write, “Past socioeconomic factors could act independently or modify the effects of current factors on health.” Also, “Socioeconomic characteristics of neighborhoods could affect health…” For the same health outcome that you chose to answer Question #1, describe how socioeconomic factors earlier in the lifecourse and neighborhood characteristics could contribute to incidence of your outcome of interest (you could be describing protective or harmful effects). If you believe that neither of these are relevant for your outcome of interest, explain why.