International Journal of Human Research and Social Science Studies

Equality in health does not require the elimination of all differences, but rather the reduction of unfair and preventable inequalities that arise from socio-determined conditions. Social determinants of health play a central role in understanding health equity as factors that contribute positively or negatively to health, as well as in the social processes that shape inequalities in the distribution of resources among groups with different levels of power and social influence. The investigation of health inequalities resulted in the development of specific theories. The relevant literature was searched in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using search terms such as: ‘health inequalities’, ‘health disparities’, ‘health equity’, ‘social determinants of health’, ‘socioeconomic gradient in health’, and ‘access to healthcare services’. The literature search was conducted in English for the period 2015 to 2025. The issue of inequality is linked to complex social and economic processes, which means we need to adopt targeted policies to promote social justice and universal health coverage. 

Equality, Inequality, Interpretive approaches, Theories, Social determinants of health

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