Crystallising a Comprehensive Conceptual Model Linking Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Health Outcomes in Indian Scenario

Overview: Over the last few decades, research on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) hasbuttressed that non-clinical factors of community health such as socioeconomic status, education, housing, and healthcare accessplay a crucial role in improving health outcomes. Althoughnumerous studies have highlighted their significance, a comprehensive conceptual modelintegrating these factors is still elusive. The situation is even less flattering in India, where primary research on SDOH remains a concern area and a conceptual model is yet to be proposed. Objective: The objective of this review, after a detailed analysis of existing literature, is to develop a conceptual modal of SDOH suitable for the subcontinent especially India. Methods: This systematic review on SDOH synthesizes findings from more than 25 research studies across diverse global and Indian contexts to help us develop an Indian conceptual model. Results: By examining the interplay of structural, intermediate, and proximal determinants, this review reveals pathways driving health disparities. Subsequently, a multi-layered conceptual framework linking SDOH and health outcomes, particularly in Indian scenario, is attempted.