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Integrating the common risk factor approach into a social determinants framework
Author(s) -
Watt Richard G.,
Sheiham Aubrey
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2012.00680.x
Subject(s) - social determinants of health , medicine , public health , social inequality , hierarchy , environmental health , inequality , health policy , health equity , public economics , population health , population , economics , nursing , mathematical analysis , mathematics , market economy
The common risk factor approach ( CRFA ) has been highly influential in integrating oral health into general health improvement strategies. However, dental policy makers and oral health promoters have interpreted the CRFA too narrowly. They have focussed too heavily on the common behavioural risks, rather than on the broader shared social determinants of chronic diseases. A behavioural preventive approach alone will have minimal impact in tackling oral health inequalities and indeed may widen inequalities across the population. Based on recent WHO policy recommendations, this study presents the case for updating the CRFA in accordance with the social determinants agenda. The theoretical basis for a social determinants framework for oral health inequalities is presented, and implications for oral health improvement strategies are highlighted. Future action to address oral health inequalities in middle‐ and high‐income countries requires a radical policy reorientation towards tackling the structural and environmental determinants of chronic diseases. In more equal and fairer societies, all sections of the social hierarchy experience better health and social well‐being.