The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM): A Framework for Understanding the Determinants of Health Behaviour

It is often believed that people are in control of their own actions, behaviours, and ultimately their health status, but what if it’s not that simple. What if someone wants to eat healthier but the nearest grocery store is 30 minutes away, they don’t have a car, their area does not have reliable public transportation, and if buying fast food is cheaper to feed their family. The Ottawa Charter defines health promotion as “the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve...