Link and Phelan's Definition of Fundamental Causes of a Disease
According to Link and Phelan, fundamental causes of a disease are "the social, economic, and environmental determinants that contribute to differences in health status." These determinants include:
- Conditions of daily life: Housing, poverty, education, food security, social support
- Living and working conditions: Air quality, noise, water quality, occupational hazards
- Social gradients: Income, education, social status, and the resulting inequalities in health and well-being
- Access to quality healthcare: Availability, affordability, and effectiveness of healthcare services
Key Characteristics of Fundamental Causes:
- Upstream determinants: They occur upstream of specific biological mechanisms and disease outcomes.
- Inequitable distribution: They are not evenly distributed across populations, resulting in health disparities.
- Modifiable: They are factors that can be changed through social, economic, and environmental interventions.
- Cumulative effects: They accumulate over time, increasing the risk of disease.
- Structural determinants: They are embedded in society's institutions and policies, shaping the distribution of resources and opportunities.
Examples:
- Poverty: Lack of financial resources limits access to adequate housing, nutrition, and healthcare.
- Poor housing conditions: Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and exposure to toxic substances can contribute to respiratory infections and other health problems.
- Air pollution: Exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
- Workplace hazards: Prolonged exposure to chemicals, noise, or physical stress can lead to occupational injuries and chronic health conditions.