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Social determinants of drug use – barriers to translating research into policy
Author(s) -
Spooner Catherine
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he09180
Subject(s) - social determinants of health , population health , health economics , social policy , corporate governance , public relations , health policy , community health , political science , public health , public economics , medicine , economic growth , business , economics , nursing , finance , law
Our understanding of the causes of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and harms has expanded in the past 20 years. In particular, aetiological theories have become substantially more complex, incorporating research on human development and social determinants of health. In this paper, factors that present challenges to the AOD sector translating this research into policy are considered. These include a) the complexity of social determinants, b) community attitudes, and c) governance and funding structures. It is concluded that the challenges are substantial, but not insurmountable. Research on social determinants of AOD use and harms is building an evidence base to inform policy. However, leadership is needed to transform funding priorities from single‐issue, short‐term projects focusing on individual‐level changes to broader, longer‐term approaches. So what Conducting research on the social determinants of drug use and applying the research findings to policy and practice are difficult, but necessary. Those who are working to meet this challenge should be commended and encouraged.