Ten years of the GCPH: the evidence and implications

Following ten years of the GCPH, what have we learned so far about health trends in Scotland and Glasgow, and what are the insights for improving health and addressing inequalities?  

This evidence narrative provides an overview of the evidence the GCPH has established and mobilised over the last ten years and draws out the implications for policy and practice.  

A substantial body of research has demonstrated the impact of wider economic, social and environmental factors on health which in turn shape how individuals’ respond biologically and behaviourally.

The GCPH evidence base, summarised in this diagram, similarly reflects the importance of these underlying influences.  A set of interlinked issues – poverty, early life experience, neighbourhood environments and social contexts – are at the heart of health inequality in Glasgow. Services, interventions and approaches undertaken to improve outcomes for people and communities are woven through all these and have their own effect.

A summary leaflet accompanying this report provides an overview of the wide-ranging actions that are required to improve life expectancy and reduce health inequalities.