[Sociomedical models in public health: coincidences and differences]

Abstract

The main points of encounter and/or differences between two sociomedical analytical models are discussed. Both models have substantially contributed to an integrated perspective on public health. Discussion is focused on the conceptual construction of social processes and the contribution of these social processes on the determination of health conditions, interpretations and health responses. Also, differences on analytical level and empirical procedures are discussed. Finally, facing the fact that "pure" models are no longer valid, the need for a strengthened population approach and the coincidences in values are seen as important intersection points of the two models.