Social Determinants of Child Health: Concepts and Measures for Future Research
Health Behavior & Policy Review. 1(6):432-445, 2014
15 Pages Posted: 19 Dec 2014 Last revised: 8 Jan 2015
Date Written: January 8, 2015
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
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation