This book provides an applied, interdisciplinary approach to an
understanding of the key social determinants of health, essential at a
time of increasing inequalities and reductions in existing NHS services
and local authority budgets. A person's health and wellbeing is
influenced by a spectrum of socioeconomic, cultural, living and working
conditions, social and community networks and lifestyle choices. Based
on the 'rainbow model' of the social determinants of health, chapters
from experts in a wide range of disciplines examine the key factors
which can lead to poor quality of life, homelessness and reduced
mortality. Featuring practitioner, academic and commentator experiences,
and clear case studies, this book will enable researchers, front-line
workers, managers, service commissioners and politicians to identify and
employ the most appropriate health, social and economic interventions to
support those at the edge of the community, and the promotion of their
inclusion in society.