Towards the development of a model of Health Determinants for Morocco

Our health is influenced by many factors, called the determinants of health. WHO has defined its determinants as the set of "personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine the health status of individuals or populations" (WHO, 1999). Conceptual models or theoretical frameworks help us to understand the complex issues that impede the determinants of health, support health planning interventions and policy development, and most importantly, understand the dimensions of health in order to act to reduce health inequalities between different population groups. This study examined diachronically different frameworks related to the determinants of health, classified them into forty-one conceptual frameworks developed by different countries, organizations and theorists and described as explanatory frameworks, and/or interactive frameworks, and/or action-oriented frameworks. Each framework is detailed according to the important elements and its field of interest. Five frameworks were selected after an in-depth analysis to agree on a comprehensive framework adapted to the Moroccan context and current political concerns and knowledge. In this perspective, our project proposes a conceptual framework of health determinants specific to the Moroccan context that is based on a holistic and intersectoral approach, which recognizes social inequalities in health, describes the role of individuals and communities, gives the importance of upstream action, and helps to improve our understanding of complex problems in the Moroccan health system.