6. Social determinants of health

Abstract

The context in which children live their lives, including the family, school, and community environments?and the interactions among these?is crucial to their health and wellbeing. In order to examine some of the social determinants of child health, the New South Wales Child Health Survey 2001 asked parents or carers of children to report on family functioning; access to social support; social capital; attendance at childcare, preschool, or school; and other childhood activities outside of these environments.