Examples of social determinants of health
Examples of social determinants of health can be seen across different areas of daily life, each playing a key role in shaping wellbeing.
- Economic stability: Covers factors like poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, job instability, and lack of affordable housing
- Education access and quality: Involves literacy levels, early childhood learning, school opportunities, and higher education pathways
- Neighbourhood and built environment: Includes housing quality, access to healthy food, safe transport, clean air and water, and overall community safety
- Social and community context: Relates to social support systems, discrimination, civic participation, cultural norms, and challenges like incarceration
- Healthcare access and quality: Focuses on access to primary care, health insurance, health literacy, and availability of affordable, quality medical services
Economic stability
Economic stability plays a critical role in health outcomes. Income affects one’s ability to access nutritious food, safe housing, and healthcare. Here are a few factors linked to economic stability:
- Income level: Higher income generally means better access to healthcare and healthier living conditions.
- Employment opportunities: Regular employment can provide health benefits and insurance.
- Housing stability: Secure housing reduces stress and exposure to environmental risks.
- Debt and financial stress: Financial strain can lead to chronic stress, contributing to various health problems.
Education access and quality
Education greatly influences health literacy and decision-making. Individuals with better education are more likely to make informed health choices. Key points include:
- Access to quality schools: Good schools equip individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate health systems.
- Higher education opportunities: People with higher education are more likely to afford healthcare.
- Health education programs: Schools offering health education empower students with knowledge about nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
Healthcare access and quality
Access to healthcare is essential for preventing and treating illnesses. Barriers to healthcare often lead to late diagnoses and untreated conditions. Consider these factors:
- Availability of services: Having clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies nearby is critical for timely care.
- Affordability: Can you afford consultations, medications, or treatments?
- Health insurance: Health coverage ensures access to care without financial hardship.
Neighbourhood and built environment
Where you live affects your health in multiple ways, from the air you breathe to the safety of your streets. Key components are:
- Housing quality: Is your living space free from pollutants, mould, and allergens?
- Safety and violence: Crime and unsafe neighbourhoods can lead to chronic stress and mental health issues.
- Access to parks and exercise spaces: Neighbourhoods with open spaces promote physical activity.
Social and community context
A sense of belonging and strong social ties contribute to mental health. Here’s how:
- Support networks: Family, friends, and community groups offer emotional support.
- Involvement in the community: Being engaged with community activities can boost mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Social cohesion: Feeling connected reduces loneliness and isolation.
Why are social determinants of health significant?
The social determinants of health are significant because they impact overall well-being and can either promote health or lead to disparities. Improving these determinants can lead to:
- Health outcomes: A person’s surroundings, living conditions, and life opportunities often shape their health more than genetics or medical care alone
- Health inequities: Social determinants lead to unfair gaps in health between groups, with disadvantaged communities facing poorer health and shorter life spans
- Preventive health: Better social and economic conditions, like safe housing and healthy food access, can prevent disease and reduce reliance on expensive treatments
- Economic stability: Steady income, fair working conditions, and adequate resources improve quality of life and overall health
What is an SDOH screening tool and how do they work?
An SDOH (Social Determinants of Health) screening tool is a questionnaire used by healthcare providers to uncover non-medical factors like housing, food availability, and social support that influence a patient’s health. The information collected is added to the electronic health record (EHR) to shape care plans and connect patients with suitable community resources.
How SDOH screening tool work
- Identification of needs: Patients fill out a digital or paper form before, during, or after their visit.
- Data collection: The survey covers areas such as income, education, neighborhood conditions, and social connections.
- Data integration: Responses are entered into the EHR for easy access and long-term tracking.
- Care planning and intervention: Healthcare teams review the data, design personalised care plans, and may use ICD-10 codes for proper documentation and follow-up.
Addressing the social determinants of health
Addressing SDOH requires action beyond the traditional health care system. Strategies include:
- Improving living conditions: Create policies that enhance housing quality, access to education, and safe working environments.
- Reducing inequality: Implement fair economic and social policies to ensure a more balanced distribution of power and resources.
- Expanding knowledge: Gather and analyse data to identify health disparities and measure the success of interventions.
- Cross-sector collaboration: Encourage partnerships between healthcare providers, community organisations, and government bodies to tackle the underlying causes of poor health.
Why SDOH are so influential
Social determinants of health (SDOH) shape wellbeing in multiple ways, affecting both immediate and long-term health outcomes.
- Social gradient: People with lower socio-economic status tend to face worse health outcomes.
- Life expectancy: Can differ by up to 18 years between high- and low-income groups, with wide variations even across city neighbourhoods.
- Health behaviours: Limited income and lack of transport reduce access to healthier lifestyle choices.
- Biological wear: Prolonged stress can damage body systems and increase vulnerability to disease.
- Gene expression: SDOH can influence how genes function, altering disease risk over time.
Conclusion
The role of social determinants of health in shaping an individual's wellbeing cannot be overstated. From economic stability to community support, these factors influence every aspect of health. Addressing them is vital for health equity and improving quality of life. For doctors, providing care in India can be challenging without the necessary resources. If you’re a healthcare professional looking to expand or enhance your practice, Bajaj Finserv doctor loan and professional loan offers customised financial solutions to meet your needs.
