Article Details

Conflict as a Social Determinant of Health

[ ISSN : 2473-0661 ]

Abstract

Sercan Kurklu¹*, Mustafa Alparslan Babayigit¹, Fahrettin Guven Oysul¹ and Aliye Mavili Aktas²

¹ Department of Public Health, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Turkey
² Department of Social Services, Faculty of Health Sciences, Selcuk University, Turkey

Corresponding Author:

Lara S Martin, Center for Humanitarian Emergencies, Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, Tel: 404-712-8308; Email: LSMART4@emory.edu

Keywords: Conflict; Determinants; Health; Inequality; Human rights; Emergency response

Abstract

The limited number of tools and resources available to guide emergency response in conflict settings is particularly grim. In order to improve response in areas impacted by emergencies, responders need new frameworks to guide the inclusion of wider macro-level determinants such as conflict throughout the program cycle. The Conflict Determinant Model (CDM) provides a theoretical base for emergency responders, public health professionals, and social scientists to include the social determinants of health in their programming and for analysis of the impact of conflict on health status. By considering conflict as a macro-level determinant of health, responders and agencies can design high quality contextually relevant programming that identifies and responds to the wider social inequalities that create conflict. We propose five uses of the CDM: Health disparity analysis, community engagement, program design, impact measurement, and monitoring and evaluation tool development. When applied in the program cycle for emergency programs, CDM improves the understanding, application, and analysis of conflict as a determinant of health. CDM informs the evidence base needed for effective and efficient response in conflict settings.

Citation

Martin LS and Evans DP. Conflict as a Social Determinant of Health. SM J Public Health Epidemiol. 2015;1(2):1008.

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Received: July 01, 2015

Accepted: July 15, 2015

Published: July 30, 2015