Page 90 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

The implementation of a policy that is sensitive to the social determinants of health should make

a decisive contribution to the quality of life in various countries (European Parliament 2011).

2.11.2 Social Determinants of Health

The differences in health in the different countries of the world result, on the one hand, from

differences in individual behavior and, on the other hand, from social inequalities (Secretary’s

Advisory Committee 2010).

The major determinants of health in developed countries are related to the excessive consumption

of tobacco and alcohol, high cholesterol levels, and obesity rates.

Epidemiologists agree that the most influential factor in the health status of an individual is

lifestyle; therefore, it is essential to define and implement measures to promote health and
protection from disease.

In this context, programs focusing on the prevention of tobacco and alcohol consumption and the

promotion of healthy eating have been already developed in most countries.

Nutrition as a determinant of health stems from the ability of healthy eating to prevent major
causes of mortality and morbidity, particularly cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases.

The development of health protection programs aimed at improving the quality of nutrition is a

core element for improving the survival of a population and for improving the quality of life of the

citizens in developed societies.

The efforts made are mainly due to the awareness that the burden of the disease associated with

poor nutrition is significant today.

In the past decades, there has been a decrease in the levels of premature mortality.

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