The wider determinants of health refer to a range of social, economic, environmental and cultural factors that influence an individual's health and well-being beyond just their access to healthcare services. These determinants play a crucial role in shaping a person's overall health outcomes and quality of life. Understanding and addressing these determinants is essential for creating healthier communities and populations. Key determinants include: good education and skills; work and health; sufficient money and resources; quality, accessible, affordable housing and well-designed sustainable transport.
Good Education and Skills
1. What is the impact of early year’s childcare policies on health, wellbeing and health inequalities in Wales?
2. What is the influence of the education attainment gap between different socio-economic groups on health inequalities?
Work and Health
1. To what extent does the working age population of Wales participate in fair work (as defined by the fair work characteristics) by industry sector, business size, geography and demographics?
2. Which industry sectors and their specific practices in Wales have the greatest influence on widening inequalities in health through the provision of fair work e.g. pay, contract types and levels of occupational risk?
3. What is the impact of sickness absence management policies and practices by organisations and line managers in preventing or reducing the length of long-term sickness absences, and in preventing people from leaving employment due to ill health?
Sufficient Money and Resources
1. How does the cost-of-living crisis affect different demographic groups and how do these disparities contribute to differential health outcomes within these populations?
2. How do national, regional and locally introduced interventions designed to respond to the cost-of-living crisis impact on health, well-being and health inequalities?
Quality, Accessible and Affordable Housing
1. What is the quality, availability, affordability and stability of rented accommodation, and how does this impact the health and mental well-being of individuals and different demographic groups?
Built and Natural Environment
1. What are the barriers to implementing healthy planning policy in Wales?
Transport and Travel
1. How does the transport system influence access to healthcare, social interaction, and opportunities in education and employment for individuals living in poverty, and what are the multifaceted impacts on their overall well-being?
Trade and Health
1. How are the anticipated health and well-being disparities resulting from international trade agreements distributed among various demographic groups, particularly children, young adults, migrant and refugee populations, and residents of rural or coastal regions?
2. How effective are the existing methods for involving non-business stakeholders in discussions related to international trade policies within Wales and the UK?
Commercial Determinants of Health
1. What is the influence of commercial determinants of health on an individual's well-being, and what measurable indicators can be employed to assess these impacts at an individual level?
2. What strategies are most effective in influencing the commercial determinants of health?