Social Determinants of Health: Legal Frameworks for Addressing Inequities

Abstract

This article explores the dynamic interplay between legal frameworks and social determinants of health (SDH), underscoring the pivotal role of law in addressing health inequities. Through a comprehensive literature review, including an analysis of health-justice partnerships, digital health equity, and antiracist pedagogies in healthcare education, the study highlights innovative legal interventions that have demonstrated success in mitigating health disparities. The methodology adopted encompasses a descriptive, critical, and comparative analysis, drawing on empirical studies and case examples to assess the effectiveness of legal frameworks in various contexts. The findings reveal that while legal interventions offer significant potential for improving health outcomes, challenges such as scalability, the rapid evolution of digital health technologies, and the need for intersectional approaches to SDH persist. The article concludes with recommendations for policy integration, investment in digital health equity, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, and multi-sectoral collaboration to address these challenges. The implications for policy, practice, and future research emphasize the necessity of a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to leveraging legal frameworks for health equity. This study contributes to the burgeoning discourse on the legal determinants of health, offering insights and strategies for harnessing the power of law to create more equitable health outcomes.