Syndemics framework as an approach to explain the interaction between public health problems

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2021.1.38309

Keywords:

Syndemic, public health, proof of concept study, methods

Abstract

The syndemics theory provides an innovative framework that allows to understand why some public health problems are geographically and temporarily concentrated?, and how these problems interact biologically and socially?, generating harmful effects on vulnerable groups. However, the empirical evidence that supports this theory is still scarce and the existing has certain limitations in the approach and measurement of key concepts. For this reason, this article aims to generate a discussion about some conceptual and methodological implications of the use of syndemics theory. The correct approach to syndemics theory allows directing future research on this topic and promotes its importance for the study of health problems in the Latin American context.

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Author Biographies

Silvia Quiroz Mena, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia

Doctoranda en Epidemiología por la Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia.

Wilson Cañon Montañez, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia

Doctor en Epidemiología por la Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS); profesor asociado de la Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA). Medellín, Colombia.

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Published

2021-02-25

How to Cite

Quiroz Mena, S., & Cañon Montañez, W. (2021). Syndemics framework as an approach to explain the interaction between public health problems. Scientia Medica, 31(1), e38309. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2021.1.38309

Issue

Section

Education in Health Sciences