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P8745  Social and economic determinants of health

Prerequisite: Public Health P6700 or P8704. Examination of research on disparities in health and illness related to social and economic inequality in the United States. Lectures and readings review theoretical and empirical research on factors linked to class, income, and education differences that have been hypothesized to explain the generally poorer health and higher rates of mortality among members of lower socioeconomic groups. Includes concepts and measurement of health and social stratification, assessment of evidence for proposed links between socioeconomic position and health through group differences in health beliefs, health behaviors, exposure to social stress, occupational hazards and employment instability, and access and utilization of medical care services. Also reviewed are policy initiatives aimed at narrowing health disparities between different socioeconomic groups. Midterm exam, and a take-home final exam.

3 points