A review of the impact of social determinants on health in Malta

Abstract

Socioeconomic conditions such as income and education have been demonstrated to be strong determinants of health status. This issue has been little researched in Malta and consequently has not made it to the top of the health policy agenda. This article reviews locally available evidence on the social determinants of health. Findings confirm that the inverse relationship between life-expectancy and chronic health conditions and lifestyle behaviours and socioeconomic status demonstrated in other countries, also exists in Malta. Greater awareness amongst health professionals and further research on the social determinants of health are necessary as rising income inequality and multi-ethnicity are both becoming important phenomena in Malta's sociodemographic evolution. Public health approaches to tackle illness and wellbeing need to go beyond traditional educational campaigns and must focus on measures that support a more equitable and just society.