Social Determinants of Child Health: Concepts and Measures for Future Research

Abstract

Objectives: This review examines the effects of family economic security policies on child and family health outcomes, formulates a framework for possible mechanisms of effect, and introduces our policy surveillance system to measure changes in state laws affecting social determinants of health.

Methods: We carried out a comprehensive review of the published literature on family economic security policies and health outcomes.

Results: There is a paucity of studies examining effects of economic policies on child and family health behaviors and outcomes; moreover, even fewer investigate causal pathways from policy to mediating changes in social and physical conditions or health behaviors.

Conclusion: State policy variations offer a valuable opportunity for scientists to conduct natural experiments and contribute to evidence linking social policy effects to family and child wellbeing.

Keywords: social determinants of health, maternal and child health, public health law, public health law research