Social determinants of health such as poverty, unequal access to health care, lack of education, stigma, and racism are underlying, contributing factors of health inequities . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to achieving improvements in people’s lives by reducing health inequities.
How do determinants impact individual health?
Social determinants of health reflect the social factors and physical conditions of the environment in which people are born, live, learn, play, work, and age. Also known as social and physical determinants of health, they impact a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes .
Social determinants of health such as poverty, unequal access to health care, lack of education, stigma, and racism are underlying, contributing factors of health inequities . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to achieving improvements in people’s lives by reducing health inequities.
People with higher incomes tend to be healthier and live longer than people with low incomes . They are more likely to live in safe neighborhoods. They have more access to grocery stores and healthy foods. They usually have more access to safe spaces for exercise or other activities.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health and quality-of life-risks and outcomes . Learn more about social determinants of health.
- Safe housing, transportation, and neighborhoods.
- Racism, discrimination, and violence.
- Education, job opportunities, and income.
- Access to nutritious foods and physical activity opportunities.
- Polluted air and water.
- Language and literacy skills.
Social determinants of health include factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks, as well as access to health care .
By contrast, the many social determinants of health play a much bigger role in influencing a person’s health, making up 80–90% of the contributing factors.
A range of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors contribute to individual and population health. Conversely, poor health outcomes are often made worse by the interaction between individuals and their social and physical environment .
In this architecture of risk, the social determinants of health predispose individuals and populations to poor physical and mental health, increased risk for many physical and mental illnesses, and poorer course/outcomes of such illnesses when they occur .
Housing, social services, geographical location, and education are some of the most common social determinants of health. These factors have a significant impact on the current healthcare landscape. As more healthcare organizations deliver value-based healthcare, they are developing strategies to drive wellness care.
How do socioeconomic factors affect health?
Social and economic factors, such as income, education, employment, community safety, and social supports can significantly affect how well and how long we live. These factors affect our ability to make healthy choices, afford medical care and housing, manage stress, and more .
What are the factors affecting human health?
- the social and economic environment,
- the physical environment, and.
- the person’s individual characteristics and behaviours.
Factors are interrelated
For example, a good marriage can compensate for a lack of friendships , while religious beliefs may help a person come to terms with physical illness.
Healthcare providers can address social determinants of health through five approaches— awareness, adjustment, assistance, alignment, and advocacy , according to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
What is likely to impact on whether a person experiences health inequalities?
There is ample evidence that social factors, including education, employment status, income level, gender and ethnicity have a marked influence on how healthy a person is. In all countries – whether low-, middle- or high-income – there are wide disparities in the health status of different social groups.
Maintaining an optimal level of social wellness allows you to build healthy relationships with others . Having a supportive social network allows you to develop assertive skills and become comfortable with who you are in social situations. Surrounding yourself with a positive social network increases your self-esteem.
The ability to assess a patient’s social determinants of health is one of the best ways to predict the chance of developing conditions like asthma, COPD, and diabetes, as well as determine the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer .
Differences in health status or access to health care among racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic groups may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes or diabetes complications.
What are the 4 major determinants of health explain each determinant?
Determinants of health: Nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and genetics are considered as core determinants and four pillars of health. When any one or more of these is compromised, health is at risk and medical care is required as a support system.
An understanding of social factors provides invaluable insight into improving a patient’s health status for predicting negative outcomes . Instances such as high-risk pregnancies, early hospital readmissions, poor compliance with prescribed medications, and susceptibility to chronic disease.
The significant connection between public policy and public health is well-known. Countries with a broad public policy goal of improving population health are likely to direct their public health effort at the social determinants of health including income, education, employment, housing, and health care services.
