Determinants of Health

Determinants of Health is a foundational topic for tertiary students in Zambia studying Epidemiology and Biostatistics or Public Health. This module explores the broad range of factors that influence individual and population health outcomes, categorized into biological, behavioral, social, economic, environmental, and health system determinants. Students will learn to analyze how factors such as income, education, housing, nutrition, genetics, and access to healthcare interact to shape health status and inequities. Understanding determinants is essential for conducting comprehensive health needs assessments, designing effective public health interventions, and advocating for multisectoral approaches to health improvement in Zambia. This knowledge is critical for university examinations and for careers in public health research, policy development, health promotion, and community health programming, enabling graduates to address root causes of health challenges.