Data resource profile: Exploring freely accessible data describing wider determinants of health in England

This data resource profile describes a systematic mapping of freely accessible population data on wider determinants of health in England. To the authors knowledge this is the first comprehensive compilation of freely accessible data resources of this kind.This data resource profile was created to support research into the mechanisms and impact of wider determinants on the health of populations in England but is applicable to research and populations studies wider than this.Eighty-nine datasets were identified that may be of use to researchers in health and other population data fields. Datasets are held separately but many have the potential to be linked through common geographical area codes to other relevant datasets such as health data.The datasets originate from multiple sources including government bodies, public services, and research datasets. They cover many key categories of wider determinants of health including socioeconomics, employment, housing, support services, and the environment. Key data gaps included food consumption, social care data and community/voluntary services.The data resource profile in this article links directly to freely accessible datasets at the time of publication in the tables provided. The authors welcome contact from researchers for collaboration on exploring wider determinants of health through data use. Please contact Dr Melanie Rees-Roberts (emailto:[email protected]).