Social Model of Health

The social model of health recognises the effect of social, economic, cultural and political factors and conditions on health and wellbeing. It is a conceptual framework for improving health outcomes, aimed at preventing and reducing illness and addressing inequalities and disadvantage that exist within the community. 
 
Community health practice, as a part of primary health care, is underpinned and informed by the values and principles supported in the Alma Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care (World Health Organisation (WHO), 1978) and the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (WHO, 1986).

The social model of health includes:

• Recognition of the broad social, economic and environmental determinants of health and illness
• The importance of health promotion and disease prevention
• The importance of community participation in decision making
• The importance of working with sectors outside of health
• An understanding that equity is an important outcome of health service intervention

For further information about the social model of health refer to the Victorian Government Health Promotion Website

The Australian Health Promotion Association provides useful information and further links.