Introduction:

Today's, health vision have a broader vision to non-medical determinants of health. Each of these determinants of health, separately or through the influence of one of another, strongly affect the state of health which may cause inequity. These determinants are heredity, lifestyle, environment, socio-economic status, and etc., which have significant impacts on health, and also on its' outcomes, including the quality of life.

It is correct that medical care can prolong life and cure serious illness, but what is important for the health of a population is the socio-economic circumstances that make people sick or in need of medical care. This means that social determinants of health such as income, level of education, occupation, nutrition, and social level are the more likely factors to cause a disease when compared to biological ones. They also play an important role in human health. Achieving the health goals and the establishment of equity in the health system would be impossible, if social determinants of health ignored.

Obviously, the conditions in which people grow, live and work, as well as the age of individuals, all affect their health status. These inconsistent conditions lead to health inequalities. Opportunely, the most of these health inequalities are avoidable between and within countries.  Success in health promotion and reducing these inequities depends on paying close attention to the context social factors. Also, technical strategies within the health systems are very important, but are not adequate. Attention to social determinants of health requires broader areas of work and more sustainable measures.

In this regard, and in order to expand research, provide scientific and practical strategies in health and medical affairs on 2013.05.13 in the 220th session of the Council for the Development of Medical Universities the establishment for the Research Center on Social Factors Affecting the Health of the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences was agreed in principle. The SDH center started the activities from November 2013 after the notification of the founding members and the director of the center. ​ Also, in the 282nd session, on the 24 May 2021, the final approval of the establishment was announced. SDH center welcomes cooperation with other organizations, research centers and individuals interested in research fields of factors affecting health and its promotion.