Social epidemiology

Definition

Social epidemiology is a branch of epidemiology that focuses on how societal factors such as socioeconomic status, culture, poverty, and access to healthcare influence the health outcomes of populations. It studies patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.

Related terms

Health Disparities:

The differences in health outcomes and their determinants between different segments of the population, often driven by social, economic, environmental, and structural disparities.

Socioeconomic Status:

A composite measure that typically incorporates economic status, measured by income; social status, measured by education; and work status, measured by occupation.

Determinants of Health: Factors that contribute to a person's current state of health, which can include biological factors, socioeconomic factors, behavioral factors, and environmental factors