About this theme area:
Social and economic factors are considered “upstream” causes of health and health inequity, relative to the “downstream” medical determinants of health. These include factors such as poverty; housing; employment availability and conditions; education; racism; access to nutritious food; public safety; transportation; infrastructure (e.g., water, sanitation, broadband); social isolation; environmental conditions; and the presence and strength of anchor institutions; among other factors. This theme is focused on community-engaged solutions that address the social and economic factors that affect health to demonstrably prevent disease and illness and promote health equity.
IRL Teams working on projects in this theme:
- Using Native Knowledge and Science to Heal Trauma
- Adolescent Mental Health Among Rural African Americans
- Addressing Mental, Physical, and Economic Health of FL Farm Communities
- Researching Equity and Community Health (REACH) Project
- Empowering Rural Residents for Environmental Action
- Addressing the Impact of Rural Poverty, Opioid Misuse, and Partner Violence Victimization in Vermont
- Rebuilding Indigenous Food Systems in Rural Native Hawaii
- Perceptions of Racism and Health among African Americans in Rural Western NC
