Social determinants of health status in Uganda

Abstract

Health status of individuals is not only of great significance because of the direct utility that health can provide but also because of the productivity losses and large indirect costs caused by ill-health, which places demands on already strained health systems and family support networks (Strauss et al., 1993). Social determinants have always played a vital role in our health and overall well-being. Social Determinants of Health (SDH) are defined as conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life (Marmot, 2008). The purpose of the study was to empirically establishes the key factors influencing health status in Uganda. Specifically, this study sought to examine the relationship between health status and socio-demographic characteristics; economic characteristics; lifestyle factors as well as environmental factors. This study utilized the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2016/17 data to empirically analyse social Determinants of Health Status in Uganda based on the framework for analysing social determinants of health. The study adopted a logistic regression model to estimate the impact social Determinants on Health Status in Uganda. Empirically, the study employed maximum-likelihood logistic models and computed odds ratios in order to obtain logically interpretable results. Four logistic models of different age groups are analysed (i.e., 0-5 years, 6-14 yeas, 15-59 years and 60 plus years) in order to gain an understanding of how SDH affect each age category of the population. The study finds that Social Determinants of Health are so critical in determining of Health status in Uganda. Indeed, a combination of socio-demographic characteristics; economic factors; lifestyle factors and environmental factors affect the health status of individuals. Social demographic factors affect all age groups though more significant amongst individuals aged 6 years and above. Economic factors were found to be significant amongst age groups 6-14 and 60+ years, Lifestyle factors were found to be more significant amongst individuals aged 15 years and above. While Environmental factors mostly affect individuals aged below 14 years.