A conceptual model for studies on social determinants of health in Brazilian municipalities

• Published in: Saúde e sociedade Vol. 29; no. 2
• Main Authors: Francisco Carlos Carvalho de Melo, Rodolfo Ferreira Ribeiro da Costa, Jansen Maia Del Corso
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sao Paulo Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Saude Publica 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Decision making; Health disparities; Public health; Socioeconomic factors; Variables; Brazil
• ISSN: 0104-1290; 1984-0470
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-12902020181094

The conceptual models of Social Determinants of Health (SDH) available in the literature, although useful for comprehending mechanisms that affect the results of the health system on the living conditions of the population, present limitations regarding their application in empirical studies and, consequently, in guiding public health policies. This occurs because the categories adopted by these models are not adequately represented by indicators of homogeneous variables subject to mathematical or statistical manipulations in a simple relation system. This study aims to help filling this gap by proposing an operationally applicable SDH conceptual model - reproducible as a mathematical or statistical model - to support studies and define strategies concerning public health. We resorted to the literature to review previously developed conceptual models, identifying a set of SDH and presenting recommendations and choice criteria. Then we located reliable data sources supplying indicators and variables listed in historic series and proposed an applicable conceptual model, which requires specific methods and tools for a systemic approach for operationalization.