The Politics of Population Health

Abstract

Policy Points Despite increased spending and consuming more health care services than any other country in the world, the United States global health rankings experience continued decline, including worsening performance in life expectancy and mortality owing to lack of investment in and strategies on the upstream determinants of health. These determinants of health are found in our access to adequate, affordable, and nutritious food options; safe housing, blue and green spaces; reliable and safe transportation; education and literacy; opportunities for economic stability; and sanitation, among other important factors and all share a common root driver in the political determinants of health. Health systems are increasingly investing in programs and exerting influence over policies to address these upstream determinants of health, including population health management, however these programs will continue to be hindered without addressing the political determinants through government, voting, and policy. Although these investments are laudable, it is important to understand what gives rise to the social determinants of health and-more importantly-why have they disproportionately and detrimentally affected historically marginalized communities and vulnerable populations for so long? Deeply entrenched and pervasive throughout society, the political determinants of health are the fundamental instigators of these unjust and inequitable outcomes.

Keywords: government; health; health equity; policy; political; political determinants of health; politics; population health.