Wider determinants, also known as social determinants, are a diverse range of social, economic and environmental factors impacting health. These factors are influenced by the local, national and international distribution of power and resources that shape daily life.

The importance of the wider determinants of health and how they contribute to inequality in health has been highlighted in the Marmot Review. Variations in the way these broader determinants - social inequality, for example - are experienced are a primary factor contributing to differences in health outcomes. Wider determinants are now recognised to have a greater influence on health than health care, behaviours or genetics.

The pages below provide an insight in to the impact of these wider aspects of life on our communities.