Introduction:

The social determinants of health (SDH) are the social and economic conditions that affect the individual and collective differences in the state of health. Universities can play an important role in these processes.

Objective:

To identify the conceptions that professionals from Health Promoting Universities (HPU) of Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Peru, Mexico and Colombia have about SDH, their relationships, and the way to articulate them with the HPS strategy.

Materials and methods:

A qualitative study with a descriptive approach. 35 participants were divided into three focus groups. The analysis of the information followed the parameters proposed by Miels et al.

Results:

Participants have a clear conception of SDH. The following intervention strategies were identified: training of personnel, implementation of academic spaces in curriculums, inclusion of the approach of psychosocial skills for life, awareness of management and teaching staff.

Conclusions:

It is necessary that universities assume a broad conceptual framework on the social determinants of health. This aspect is important to (i) guide interventions and contribute to the health and life of university communities, (ii) contribute to the debate, and (iii) develop systems of political, economic and social action oriented towards the elimination of health inequities.

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