2 A biosocial approach to health

AMR is more than just ‘bugs and drugs’; it’s important to put AMR within the contexts in which we live, work and play.

The biomedical model of health focuses on biological processes and factors that affect health; however, this does not take into account the social factors that influence health.

It is increasingly recognised that health and ill-health are shaped by social factors, including economic, commercial and environmental factors. Many researchers have explored these social factors and developed explanatory models.

Next we explore some of the social factors that affect your own health.

Activity 2: What factors influence your health?

Timing: Allow about 10 minutes

Take a moment to consider the factors that influence your health and make a note of them below. Do not include any data that is personal to you in your notes.

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Discussion

The factors that you have noted will depend on your personal circumstances. Section 2.1 explores some of these factors further.

1.2 What is equity?

2.1 The social and structural determinants of health