We have provided separate definitions for each, we can also combine them if you prefer.
Determinants of health are any factors that influence the health of people or groups of people. These factors are often beyond the control of the individual or group, and help explain why some people or groups are healthy, and others not. Determinants of health can be biological, social, or structural (see below).
Biological determinants of health: Margaret, is it useful to include biological determinants here (i.e. inherited illnesses such as MS, lactose intolerance, predisposition to certain illnesses, etc.)?
Social determinants of health are the circumstances into which people are born, grow up, live, work and age. It is usually a combination of these and other social factors that influence the health of people or groups of people.
Structural determinants of health are economic, legal, or political systems that create or perpetuate health inequalities by limiting access to wealth or power. These systems can be related to geography (where someone is born or lives), or even history (such as residential schools).
