Factors that Shape Health and Well-Being

Research shows that the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play influence their health. Individual health choices and access to quality care represent just part of the equation to ensure all people are as healthy as possible. For example, research has consistently demonstrated strong links between health and employment, involvement with the criminal justice system, community development, education, housing, and transportation, among others. Yet, historically, policy and programmatic decisions in these areas have been made without consideration of the potential impacts on health or whether different groups might be disproportionately affected. By including health considerations in policy decisions across multiple sectors, governments and organizations can improve the well-being of underserved places and populations.