Health inequalities remain a central challenge in public health and are often shaped by social and economic conditions. However, in many cases, geographic determinants are overlooked despite having a significant impact on population health. Some geographic determinants include altitude, climate, terrain, and environmental conditions. The altitude of residence can impact health in various ways; areas located at high altitudes face challenges such as living in zones with low oxygen levels and the effects of hypoxia. Climate has a direct effect on health; heatwaves can affect agricultural production, causing food shortages and nutritional problems. Similarly, geographic isolation, limited access to water, air pollution, and biodiversity loss contribute to region-specific health risks. This paper highlights the importance of incorporating geographic determinants into public health frameworks to inform the development of context-sensitive and equitable interventions. Recognizing the influence of geography is essential to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for populations living in environmentally vulnerable areas.
Osborne et al. (Thu,) studied this question.